Land Use Plan Introduction

Transcription

Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan
Ashtabula County
Comprehensive
Plan 2003
“Ashtabula County is currently a beautiful and unique area in this country.
In order to maintain and improve upon that beauty and uniqueness, there is a
need for vision and long-term planning….
Land and Living Bold Statement
Table of Contents
Citizen Advisory Council Members........................................................................................................ iv
History/Heritage Committee .................................................................................................................. iv
Economic Development/Transportation Committee.............................................................................. iv
Recreation Committee ............................................................................................................................ v
Greenspace Committee.......................................................................................................................... v
Farmland Preservation Committee......................................................................................................... v
Chapter 1 The Planning Process ........................................................................................................ 1
What is a county comprehensive plan?.................................................................................................. 1
What is the need for a county comprehensive plan? ............................................................................. 1
Past Public Involvement ......................................................................................................................... 2
1993-1994: ACT 2000 (Ashtabula County Tomorrow).................................................................... 2
1997 Ashtabula County Telephone Survey..................................................................................... 2
1999 Land and Living in Ashtabula County..................................................................................... 3
Developing This Comprehensive Plan ................................................................................................... 3
Appreciative Interviews........................................................................................................................... 3
Future Search ......................................................................................................................................... 4
The Citizen Advisory Council - CAC....................................................................................................... 5
Visions .................................................................................................................................................... 6
Greenspace ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Farmland Preservation .................................................................................................................... 6
Transportation ................................................................................................................................. 6
Economic Development .................................................................................................................. 6
History and Heritage........................................................................................................................ 6
Recreation ....................................................................................................................................... 7
General Recommendations.................................................................................................................... 7
Township Level ............................................................................................................................... 7
Public Hearings and Official Filing .................................................................................................. 7
Amendment Process ....................................................................................................................... 7
General Land Use and Demographic Information........................................................................... 8
Chapter 2 Greenspace Preservation ................................................................................................ 14
Vision .................................................................................................................................................... 14
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 14
Why is Comprehensive Planning Important to Greenspace Preservation? ......................................... 14
Greenspace Priorities: Areas of Concern and Focus ........................................................................... 15
Threats to the Watershed ..................................................................................................................... 16
Greenspace Preservation Tools and Programs ................................................................................... 21
Priority Areas ........................................................................................................................................ 23
Primary Importance ....................................................................................................................... 24
Secondary Importance .................................................................................................................. 25
Evaluating Ecologically Sensitive Areas............................................................................................... 28
Land Holders and Their Importance in Greenspace Preservation ....................................................... 29
Recommendations................................................................................................................................ 32
Water Resources........................................................................................................................... 32
Woodlands..................................................................................................................................... 32
Development ................................................................................................................................. 32
i
Zoning............................................................................................................................................ 33
Significant Lands ........................................................................................................................... 33
Chapter 3 Farmland Preservation ..................................................................................................... 34
Vision............................................................................................................................................. 34
Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 34
Why a Land Use Plan is Important to Farmland Preservation in Ashtabula County..................... 35
Areas of Concern & Focus ............................................................................................................ 36
Issues & Challenges to Farmland Preservation ................................................................................... 37
Farmland Preservation Tools ............................................................................................................... 39
Chapter 4 Transportation................................................................................................................... 44
Vision............................................................................................................................................. 44
Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 44
Transportation Goals and Priorities ...................................................................................................... 44
Intergovernmental Coordination .................................................................................................... 44
Consistency and Concurrency ...................................................................................................... 45
Alternative Modes of Travel........................................................................................................... 45
Public Transportation ............................................................................................................. 46
Non-motorized Travel - Bicycle and Pedestrian .................................................................... 47
Rail Transportation................................................................................................................. 47
Air Transportation .................................................................................................................. 48
Ports....................................................................................................................................... 50
Transportation System Design ............................................................................................................. 52
Urban/Suburban Road Functional Classifications......................................................................... 52
Design of Urban/Suburban Roads ................................................................................................ 53
Rural Road Functional Classifications .......................................................................................... 54
Design of Rural Roads .................................................................................................................. 55
Safety ............................................................................................................................................ 55
Level of Service ............................................................................................................................. 56
Public Participation ........................................................................................................................ 56
Environment.......................................................................................................................................... 57
CHAPTER 5 Economic & Community Development....................................................................... 59
Vision............................................................................................................................................. 59
Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 59
Why a Plan is Important for Development?................................................................................... 59
Areas of Concern.................................................................................................................................. 60
Appropriate Areas ......................................................................................................................... 60
Sewer & Water Infrastructure Capacity ......................................................................................... 60
Telecommunication Services ........................................................................................................ 60
Urban Sprawl................................................................................................................................. 60
Issues and Challenges ......................................................................................................................... 60
Residential Development .............................................................................................................. 60
Commercial Development ............................................................................................................. 61
Industrial Development.................................................................................................................. 61
Infrastructure ................................................................................................................................. 61
Development Goals .............................................................................................................................. 61
Action/Priority Items.............................................................................................................................. 62
Guiding Principals................................................................................................................................. 62
Industrial Property Assets..................................................................................................................... 63
Chapter 6 Heritage: The Future of Our History ............................................................................... 66
Vision............................................................................................................................................. 66
Why is Planning Important to Historic Preservation? .................................................................... 66
ii
Areas of Concern and Focus................................................................................................................ 67
Heritage Priorities ................................................................................................................................. 68
Historic Preservation Tools................................................................................................................... 70
Owner Participation ....................................................................................................................... 70
Subdivision Regulation.................................................................................................................. 71
Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit .................................................................................................. 71
Zoning................................................................................................................................................... 71
CDBG Review and Funding ................................................................................................................. 72
Adoption of Limited Home Rule Government by Townships................................................................ 72
Implementation Strategies/Recommendations..................................................................................... 72
Criteria for Evaluating Historic Sites ..................................................................................................... 73
Final Commentary ................................................................................................................................ 76
Chapter 7 Recreation ......................................................................................................................... 73
Vision............................................................................................................................................. 73
Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 73
Why a Comprehensive Plan is important to Recreation ............................................................... 75
Areas of Concern & Focus ................................................................................................................... 75
Listing of Parks and Recreation............................................................................................................ 77
Top Recreational Areas within Ashtabula County ................................................................................ 77
State Parks .................................................................................................................................... 77
State Wildlife Areas and Designated Hunting Lands .................................................................... 78
County Lands ................................................................................................................................ 79
Identifying Issues & Challenges to the Topic ....................................................................................... 81
Recreation Priorities ............................................................................................................................. 81
Tools/Funding Sources to Sustain and Develop Recreational Opportunities ...................................... 85
Implementation Strategies/Recommendations..................................................................................... 88
iii
Citizen Advisory Council Members
Ester Belvins
Robert Boggs
Konrad Crockford
Albert Dispenza
William Douglass
Bert Drennen
Duane Feher
Linda Fowlie
Kevin Grippi
Raymond F. Gruber, Jr.
Todd Humphrey
Sandra Kanicki
Martin Kuula
Marilyn Leehan
Leroy McNeilly
Betty Morrison
Deborah Newcomb
Ted Ocepek
Jim Pabody
Ann Rapose
Evelyn Schaeffer
Pat Simpson
Gary Timonere
History/Heritage Committee
Bert Drennen
Raymond F. Gruber, Jr.
Marilyn Leehan
Ted Ocepek
Evelyn Schaeffer
Betty Morrison
Economic Development/Transportation Committee
Esther Blevins
Robert Boggs
William Dingledine
Albert Dispenza
William Douglass
Duane Feher
Martin Kuula
Joe Mayernick
Leroy McNeilly
Deborah Newcomb
Nathan Paskey
Evelyn Schaeffer
Gary Timonere
Todd Humphrey
iv
Recreation Committee
Konrad Crockford
Kevin Grippi
Sandra Kanicki
Betty Morrison
Deborah Newcomb
Pat Simpson
Greenspace Committee
Chuck Ashcroft
Jim Bissell
Kay Carlson
Marty Clark-Kampf
Richard Coski
Albert Dispenza
Al Fazenbaker
Kevin Grippi
Mark Hanneman
Mary Howe
Charlie Kohli
Elizabeth Lehtola
Jo Misener
Betty Morrison
Karen Rang
Ann Rapose
Steve Searl
Pat Simpson
Bob Smeby
Zavier Turchetta
Farmland Preservation Committee
Harlan Baldwin
Robert Boggs
Dick Brail
Tom Coltman
Jim Comp
Albert Dispenza
Bob Gale
Ray Gruber, Jr.
Glen Haines
Harold Haines
Mike Heiner
George Hogle
Greg Johns
Lee Kellogg
Charlie Krzic
Laddie Kubichek
John Kusar
Charles Lewis
Ruth Ann Manners
Laddie Marous, Jr.
David Marrison
Nathan Paskey
Erick Smith
Kathy Smolinski
Jim Smolinski
Jim Welker
Robert Wilson
v
vi
Chapter 1
The Planning Process
What is a county comprehensive plan?
A county comprehensive plan is a formally adopted guide for the development of the
unincorporated parts of a county. It is an expression of how a community sees itself in the future
and a blueprint of how the community will achieve that future.
Section 713 of the Ohio Revised Code invests counties with the legal authority to adopt county
comprehensive plans.
What is the need for a county comprehensive plan?
Plans are an important foundation for modern decision-making. No one thinks of taking a trip,
buying a home or choosing to retire without having some type of plan in place. Counties also
need to plan in order to protect residents from haphazard development that increases costs to
taxpayers and makes the provision of essential county services more difficult.
In addition, federal and state agencies are increasingly requiring that counties have up to date
comprehensive plans before a county can receive grants and loans for county projects, such as
farmland preservation and recreation.
Ashtabula County has some very unique areas that distinguish it from other counties in the state.
The wide-open spaces of Ashtabula County are a valued treasure. People are attracted to the
county because it still retains a sense of place, a feel for its history and uncluttered vistas of
natural beauty. This is illustrated in a survey by Ohio Magazine that voted the covered bridges of
Ashtabula County as Best Scenic Drive 2001. The magazine described the covered bridge tour,
which transverses 130 miles of the county, as the perfect blend of scenery, water, and
architecture available year-round.
The County is also blessed with natural and built resources. Natural resources include Lake Erie,
the Grand River, which has both scenic and wild river designations, the Ashtabula River Gulf
and the Conneaut Creek. Built resources include but are not limited to two seaports, two state
parks, a major interstate, a state route thoroughfare system, a railroad system, and a county
airport.
Without adequate planning these resources could be threatened by haphazard development.
Ashtabula County is in a position today that many communities would envy. Ashtabula County
has an opportunity to shape the future of the County with the implementation of this
comprehensive plan to assure best uses of its most valuable resource, its land, while encouraging
growth.
Planning is an ongoing activity in a community, a conversation that never ends. While this
document is the culmination of three years’ work, it is a mere stop on the road to the future.
Planning is a process and the Plan shall be revisited and updated, as necessary, but no later than
five years from the date of its adoption.
Chapter 1, The Planning Process
Page 1
A good plan ought to delineate mechanisms required to make the plan a reality. Individuals in
county decision making positions come and go. There must be a compass so that decisions made
over time will move us in the direction the citizens desire to go.
A county comprehensive plan is not a regulatory instrument. It does not control the use of land
throughout the unincorporated parts of the county, nor does it reduce or supplant the authority of
townships to adopt their own plans and zoning regulations. However, the plan does define
direction within the county regarding development and provides a coordinated, balanced effort to
influence future growth. In this way, the county can protect and enhance the natural, historical
and cultural treasures even as it develops county policies that promote development.
“All of the planning has to be, “Not your way, not my way, but the best way!"
Land and Living Participant
Past Public Involvement
“I value being involved and part of the process, to have a hand in the
progress of Ashtabula County.”
Land and Living Participant
Ashtabula County residents have been vocal about their communities and are willing to come
forward to participate in creating a future for their county. Knowing that public involvement is a
critical component to the creation of a useful comprehensive plan for communities, the
Ashtabula County Commissioners invited citizen input in all phases of the planning process.
They also encouraged the utilization of community projects and initiatives previously done that
involved citizens in establishing community visions and goals. Groups that have led important
land use issues include:
1. 1993-1994: ACT 2000 (Ashtabula County Tomorrow)
This public county-wide visioning process set goals for improving the quality of life in
Ashtabula County with over 2500 citizens participating. The process, called ACT 2000, was
sponsored by The Civic Development Corporation of Ashtabula County, The Ashtabula
Foundation, LEADERship Ashtabula County, and the Growth Partnership for Ashtabula
County. The majority of political subdivisions passed resolutions and/or statements of
support for the process.
2. 1997 Ashtabula County Telephone Survey
Ashtabula County Department of Planning initiated the Telephone Survey with technical
statistical assistance from Youngstown State University. Volunteers made hundreds of
phone calls to residents of Ashtabula County regarding these topics:

Land Use: Forty-seven (47) questions on attitudes towards housing, recreational
uses, commercial uses, architectural design, state parks, the Ashtabula Gulf

Services: Fifty-three (53) questions on attitudes of utility providers, recycling, medical
services, cellular phones, and other general technology.

Transportation: Forty-two (42) questions on attitudes towards public transportation,
regional transit authorities, air travel, traffic management and congestion.
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3. 1999 Land and Living in Ashtabula County; A Community in Conversation
About Its Future.
In 1999 the County Commissioners initiated a process that invited citizens into a
conversation about land and living in Ashtabula County. The process became known as
Land and Living in Ashtabula County; A Community in Conversation About Its Future
(Land and Living). The intent was to involve citizens and tap individuals and stakeholder
groups concerning their perspectives of the past, present and future use of land in Ashtabula
County.
The process was facilitated by OSU Extension and LEADERship Ashtabula County. The
local media has been active in relaying the story of each component, as well as inviting
participation through regular articles, written by the OSU Extension staff.
Land and Living involved over 400 citizens in its three components: Appreciative
Interviews, Future Search, and the appointment of the Citizen Advisory Council (CAC) to
oversee the development of this comprehensive plan.
Developing This Comprehensive Plan
The Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan is the culmination of three years of discussion and
planning by County residents, elected officials and county planners. It represents a vision for the
overall development of the county for the next fifteen years and is the most significant effort in
countywide comprehensive planning since 1974. The Plan will be monitored regularly, revisited
every five years, and redone fifteen years from the date of its adoption with full citizen
engagement.
This Plan, as it will be referred to throughout this document, pertains to the unincorporated areas
found in the twenty-seven (27) townships of Ashtabula County. This is the area that falls under
the jurisdiction of the Ashtabula County Department of Planning and the Ashtabula County
Commissioners. The 27 townships have zoning authority, as do the incorporated municipalities
of the County.
This plan is not intended to supplant in any way the independent autonomy of township or
other local governments. Instead, it is hoped that this Plan will be the framework
incorporated by those county townships, villages, and cities that desire to use it.
Appreciative Interviews
“Ashtabula County is a community where newcomers are welcome and an
individual can make a difference. People are ready and willing to help one
another and come out for new initiatives and partnerships that work to move
the community forward. They care about what is happening in their
backyards.”
Land and Living Bold Statement
Page 3
The Appreciative Interviews (AI) of citizens accelerated and enhanced the community wide
conversation. Interested citizens were trained to use the AI process and were matched with three
individuals in the county to interview. In this project, land use and the related living conditions
and quality of life were the focus. The questions were designed to draw out citizens’ best
experiences of appropriate land use and quality living conditions in Ashtabula County. People
were invited to share stories and dreams about the county where they live and raise their
families. The interviews also framed and provided meaningful content for the Future Search
Conference, which was held at Kent State University - Ashtabula in February 2000.
Future Search
Future Search is a planning process involving 70 or more people. It is used by communities to
help discover values, purposes, and projects they hold in common as a foundation for creating
immediate action toward a desired future. It is especially helpful in uncertain, fast-changing
communities. Citizens need no prior training or expertise because they build on what they
already know.
The optimal length is 16 hours over three days. Being engaged in a task for that long helps
community members build the relationships necessary for action. They are sometimes surprised
by how much they agree and how many values they hold in common. Many communities
discover capabilities they did not know they had and take actions they did not believe were
possible.
Rather than speeches by experts, Future Search uses working sessions by citizens to do complex
planning. These citizens have the information, the authority to act, and a stake in the outcome.
Future Search works on the premise that planning issues require value choices more than
expertise or data, and that people make better choices when they are in dialogue. The
assumption is that people already have the skills and motivation to do more than they are doing
now; what they need is opportunity. Each person has a piece of reality, and each needs access to
others' reality in order to get a more complete picture. Reducing or simplifying the picture will
not help communities do things.
On October 11, 1999, a Future Search Host Committee was formed. Over the next five months
the Host Committee spent over 20 hours selecting a date, location, and identifying the
stakeholder groups for the Future Search. Stakeholders included individuals, organizations and
groups that would be most instrumental in shaping the future for the county. Host Committee
Members wrote and sent letters of invitations and followed up with personal contact to assure
that a cross section of the community would be present at the Future Search.
On February 25-27, 2000, the Future Search was held in the Blue and Gold room on the
Ashtabula Campus of Kent State University. There were sixty-seven (67) people from all
across Ashtabula County in attendance. A list of those attending can be found in the Project
Report dated September 2000. They included representatives from government, economic
development, agriculture, heritage, youth, social services, business, parks and recreation,
conservation and naturalists.
Participants grappled with many complex issues and multiple opportunities. The Future Search
process encouraged participants to think both as big as possible and as small as necessary; to
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brainstorm without boundaries; to think “outside the box;” to work toward common ground and
desired futures; and, finally to imagine the necessary steps that might lead to the exacting
possibilities that would emerge during the conference. Participants engaged in discussion and
realized that despite various unresolved differences, there were many common themes for the
County’s future desired by all participants.
The Future Search started with a look by the group at the most significant events in the world,
the county and their own lives over the past fifty years. Then the group identified the most
significant trends of the present. Future scenarios created by the groups were a high point of the
Search. Numerous common themes and community development projects were described during
the presentations.
Following the presentations, the participants compiled a list of all the themes and projects which
included:
Development
Government
Vision & Leadership
Youth Activities
Employment
Housing
Senior Services
Transportation
Diversity
Regionalism
Agriculture
Education
Citizen Involvement
Recreation
Land Use
Heritage and Culture
Enhancement of
Natural Resources
Infrastructure
Improvement
Cooperation &
Partnerships
Tourism
Protection
Consolidation of Resources
Media
Numerous goals in the areas of agriculture, development, land use, government, housing, senior
housing, transportation, regionalism, diversity, tourism and citizen involvement were drafted.
During the conference, each participant voluntarily invested more than sixteen hours in intense,
thoughtful discussions, synthesizing an abundance of information and ultimately finding
common ground. Together they envisioned a future for the County and committed themselves to
crafting a comprehensive plan that would guide the community into the future.
Through all phases of the planning process, there has been recognition about the need to plan for
the future growth and development of the County. Action Planning Teams emerged from the
Future Search. Those teams that moved forward included Greenspace, Farmland Preservation,
Comprehensive Plan, Historic Preservation, and Recreation. Farmland Preservation organized
quickly and drafted the Farmland Preservation Plan in the Fall of 2000.
The Citizen Advisory Council - CAC
The Ashtabula County Commissioners created the Citizen Advisory Council (CAC) for the
purpose of continuing the land use conservation and drafting a Comprehensive Plan.
In the Fall of 2000, the County Commissioners and Planning Commission submitted names of
people to be members to CAC. These people represent all aspects of developmental needs and
concerns of the community, not just conservation of natural resources.
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The Commissioners ultimately decided upon 26 people who were officially appointed to the
CAC, which are listed at the beginning of this Comprehensive Plan. Many of these 26 people,
from varying walks of life ranging from government employees, developers, land
conservationists, community volunteers to teachers, had participated in the Appreciative
Interviews and Future Search. The membership expanded as the subcommittees were formed.
Most, but not all, members saw the 18-month long process all the way through.
From the outset, the CAC recognized the need for shared visions and collaboration of all
governments so that all of our planning efforts integrate and make the best use of our resources.
Areas discussed in this Plan include Economic Development, Farmland Preservation,
Greenspace, History and Heritage, Recreation and Transportation.
Members of the CAC and the Ashtabula County Township Association met and reviewed areas
of concern, developed and submitted language acceptable to both bodies to the Ashtabula
County Commissioners for their review.
Visions
Throughout the planning process, citizen input has shaped the overall direction that guided the
development of this Plan. Subcommittees of the CAC met for over a year to study, discuss and
make recommendations on particular priorities related to the Plan. The subcommittees focused
on the following visions:
Greenspace
To treasure the County’s openness, waterways, woodlands, and wildlife as important
parts of our lives. County residents desire to preserve and sustain these natural resources
for the health and enjoyment of present and future generations by planning for the
protection and prudent use of its land and water.
Farmland Preservation
To maintain and enhance the rural character of prime and unique farmland, balanced
with commercial and residential development and the important areas of natural
resources.
Transportation
To promote a safe, convenient, efficient, and economical transportation system to move
people and goods, that will provide improved conditions make better use of inter-modal
resources, and create a greater array of transportation choices for the residents of
Ashtabula County.
Economic Development
To promote areas within Ashtabula County, which are suited for infrastructure
improvements, benefiting and stimulating residential, recreational, commercial,
and industrial economic prosperity through expanded employment opportunities,
while enhancing and protecting community assets and quality of life.
History and Heritage
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To value the county’s history and heritage of the past, present and future. The physical
reminders of historical, architectural and archeological sites help form our sense of
community. In order to preserve the uniqueness of history and heritage, Ashtabula
County will include the preservation and protection of our significant historical resources
with other county policies in order to guide development of any type and size.
Recreation
To enjoy access to many unique and diverse places and spaces that provides
opportunities for active and passive recreation. These recreational opportunities make
the best use of our land, water and natural resources throughout the four seasons.
General Recommendations
Township Level
1.
2.
If the township wishes to use the Plan as its Land Use Plan, it should consult it for
individual planning and zoning activities.
Encourage all townships to review their zoning resolutions and zoning maps and make
updates as needed.
Public Hearings and Official Filing
The CAC voted on June 10, 2002, to approve the final version of the Plan. The Plan was
submitted to the Department of Planning for final processing and compiling. The CAC held a
public work session with the Planning Commission on June 24, 2002, to familiarize the Planning
Commission members with the Plan.
The CAC also held one public meeting with members of the OSU Agricultural Extension Office
and Land and Living Participants to hear comments on June 25, 2002.
The Planning Commission held a special meeting and public hearing on July 22, 2002 for public
input. The Planning Commission subsequently approved a Resolution endorsing and
recommending adoption of the Plan by the County Commissioners on September 16, 2002. The
County Commissioners held a public hearing on November 26, 2002. A series of Public
Meetings for open discussion of the Plan were held in the City of Geneva and Rome Township
on May 28, 2003 and in Pierpont and Cherry Valley Townships on June 3, 2003. The Plan was
adopted by the Board of Commissioners on December 9, 2003.
Amendment Process
Five years from the date of the adoption of this Land Use Plan, the County Planning
Commission will assess the progress of the Comprehensive Plan and notify the Board of
Commissioners of its findings.
If the Board of Commissioners believes that there has been inadequate progress in achieving the
goals of the Plan, it shall instruct the Planning Commission to determine the reasons for the lack
of progress. The Planning Commission shall also assess the impact that new state and federal
laws and regulations or any other factor might have on the Plan. The Planning Commission shall
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hold a public meeting for public comment concerning the progress of the implementation of the
Plan.
General Land Use and Demographic Information
Table No. 1 and Chart No. 1 show the percentage and acreage breakdown of the land in
Ashtabula County (including the municipalities) and how it was used in 1997: residential,
commercial, industrial, farmland, forest, wetland, and many others. This valuable information
source was compiled by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources during the Ohio Land
Use/Land Cover project. During this project, 1"=2000' aerial photos were interpreted, and the
land use of the County was determined by using the Ohio Land Use/Land Cover Classification
System.
Table No. 2 displays the population in Ashtabula County has remained relatively constant except
for a lull in the early 1990's. Chart No. 2 depicts five regional county population comparisons
for 1970-1990. Although Ashtabula County is the second smallest county in population within a
five county area in Northeast Ohio (see Table No. 3), new housing starts have doubled since the
early 1990's. The county shows signs of continued growth with consistently busy building
seasons. (see Chart No. 3).
Page 8
Table No. 1
Land Use/Land Cover
Land Use Category
Acreage
Percentage of total acreage of
Ashtabula County
Residential
34,702.60
7.64 %
Commercial
3,371.31
0.74 %
Industrial
1,734.54
0.38 %
Recreational
3,030.63
0.67 %
141,821.04
31.23 %
3,385.55
0.75 %
Woodland
203,792.52
44.9 %
Shrub/Brushland
31,273.96
6.89 %
Wetlands
15,907.33
3.48 %
Water Bodies
6,011.26
1.32 %
969.74
0.21 %
Quarries/Pits/Landfills
1,454.96
0.32 %
Transportation
4,266.29
0.94 %
Utilities
1,142.24
0.25 %
Religious/Health
585.20
0.13 %
Education
665.76
0.15 %
454,114.93
100.00%
Agricultural
Fruit/Nurseries
Streams/Rivers
Total
The map of this information is available at the Ashtabula County Department of Planning.
Page 9
Chart No. 1
Land Use/Land Cover
Breakdown of Land Uses from 1997 Land Use/Land Cover data from ODNR
Residential
34,703
Comm erc ial
Industrial
3.371
1,735
Recreational
3,031
A gricultu re
Fruit/Nurseries
141,821
3,386
W oodland
203,793
S hrub/B rush
W etlands
31,274
15,907
W ater Bodies
Streams /Rivers
6,011
970
Quarries /Landf ills
1,455
Transportation
Utilities
4,266
1,142
Health/E du/Religous
1,250
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
A cres
Page 10
Table No. 2
Population Change, 1970-2000, Ashtabula County, Ohio
#
Change
#
Change
Percent
Change
1970-00
Percent
Change
1990-00
Jurisdiction
1970
1980
1990
2000
1970-00
1990-00
Andover
Andover Vill
Ashtabula Twp
Ashtabula City
Austinburg
Cherry Valley
Colebrook
Conneaut City
Denmark
Dorset
Geneva City
Geneva Twp
GOTL Village
Harpersfield
Hartsgrove
Jefferson
Jefferson Vill
Kingsville
Lenox
Monroe
Morgan
New Lyme
N. Kingsville Vill
Orwell
Orwell Vill
Pierpont
Plymouth
Richmond
Roaming Shores V
Rock Creek V
Rome
Saybrook
Sheffield
Trumbull
Wayne
Williamsfield
Windsor
963
1,179
7,392
24,313
1,487
631
731
14,552
773
886
6,449
3,773
877
1,584
903
1,668
2,472
1,723
1,182
1,712
770
873
2,458
762
965
978
2,225
793
N/A
731
707
6,576
1,160
963
591
988
1,447
1,219
1,205
7,308
23,449
1,869
765
731
13,835
818
952
6,655
3,728
1,634
2,331
1,214
2,035
2,952
2,162
1,291
2,079
707
1,058
2,939
1,153
1,067
1,074
2,029
887
581
652
863
6,769
1,513
1,330
652
1,224
1,485
1,265
1,216
6,654
21,633
1,902
738
747
13,241
706
850
6,597
3,689
1,626
2,487
1,157
2,024
3,331
2,007
1,266
1,883
682
1,015
2,672
1,163
1,258
1,042
2,020
850
775
553
839
5,866
1,362
1,295
610
1,319
1,481
1,403
1,269
6,371
20,962
2,234
857
887
12,485
880
892
6,595
3,814
1,545
2,603
1,395
1,987
3,572
1,847
1,388
2,268
780
1,072
2,658
1,311
1,519
1,197
2,081
937
1,239
584
919
5,957
1,491
1,461
653
1,683
1,932
440
90
-1,021
-3,351
747
226
156
-2,067
107
6
146
41
668
1,019
492
319
1,100
124
206
556
10
199
200
549
554
219
-144
144
1,239
-147
212
-619
331
498
62
695
485
138
53
-283
-671
332
119
140
-756
174
42
-2
125
-81
116
238
-37
241
-160
122
385
98
57
-14
148
261
155
61
87
464
31
80
91
129
166
43
364
451
45.7%
7.6%
-13.8%
-13.8%
50.2%
35.8%
21.3%
-14.2%
13.8%
0.68%
2.3%
1.1%
76.2%
64.3%
54.5%
19.1%
44.5%
7.2%
17.4%
32.5%
1.3%
22.8%
8.1%
72.1%
57.4%
22.4%
-6.5%
18.2%
N/A
-20.1%
29.9%
-9.4%
28.5%
51.7%
10.5%
70.3%
33.5%
10.9%
4.4%
-4.3%
-3.1%
17.5%
16.1%
18.7%
-5.7%
24.6%
4.9%
-0.03%
3.4%
-5.0%
4.7%
20.6%
-1.8%
7.2%
-7.9%
9.6%
20.5%
14.4%
5.6%
-0.5%
12.7%
20.7%
14.9%
3.0%
10.2%
59.9%
5.6%
9.5%
1.5%
9.5%
12.8%
7.1%
27.6%
30.4%
Ashtabula County
98,237
104,215
99,821
102,728
4,491
2,907
4.6%
2.9%
Page 11
Table No. 3
Population Totals
by County
Ashtabula
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Trumbull
1970
98,237
1,720,835
62,977
197,200
232,579
1980
104,215
1,498,400
74,474
212,801
241,863
1990
99,821
1,412,140
81,129
215,499
227,813
2000
Number
Change
1970-00
Percent
Change
1970-00
102,728
1,393,978
90,895
227,511
225,116
+ 4,491
326,857
+27,918
+30,311
- 7,463
+4.6
-18.9
+44.3
+15.4
- 3.2
Chart No. 2
Page 12
Chart No. 3
Page 13
Chapter 2
Greenspace Preservation
Vision
To treasure the county’s openness, waterways, woodlands and wildlife as important
parts of their lives, county residents desire to preserve and sustain these natural
resources for the health and enjoyment of present and future generations by planning
for the protection and prudent use of its land and water.
Introduction
Preserving the natural beauty of our county is important for many reasons, which affect our
quality of life. Watershed protection insures the source, health, and ecology of our water supply.
Habitat protection for plants and wildlife insures a strong ecosystem that can support an
abundance of wildlife, and provides people with places to hike, hunt, fish, and observe birds and
other wildlife. The tourism dollars generated by these activities, as well as covered bridges,
wineries, and waterways, also depend on the rural vistas and natural areas that surround them.
The protection and enhancement of the natural resources of Ashtabula County was one of the
goals that emerged from the Future Search Conference. Furthermore, citizen commentary
provided during public hearings on the Comprehensive Plan consistently prioritized the
preservation of the best of the county’s greenspace.
“Ashtabula County’s openness, farms, nature, and wildlife are important
parts of all our lives. It is something that keeps people here, draws others to
the area, and something we can leave to the future. It’s our peaceful place,
our family place and wondrous place to enjoy and raise a family.”
Citizen response, community interviews for Land and Living in Ashtabula County, 1999
Why is Comprehensive Planning Important to Greenspace
Preservation?
Ashtabula County’s open spaces make this county unique in Northeast Ohio and leave county
residents with a responsibility. As population growth continues, it falls upon this generation to
ensure that the next generation has the opportunity to appreciate and experience the county’s
natural landscape. This Comprehensive Plan will focus on the preservation of land inside and
outside of the residential subdivision by encouraging the use of many different land use
preservation tools.
This Comprehensive Plan desires to maintain greenspace in its many varied forms, and yet
support a growing economy for years to come. Greenspace is often referred to as open space;
however, there are subtle differences between the two. Open space can be any type of open land,
and is what most of us typically think of as a park or recreational area within a subdivision. For
Chapter 2, Greenspace
Page 14
the purpose of this Comprehensive Plan, greenspace shall be defined as any system of open land,
which may or may not be connected, that is determined to have cultural, ecological, agricultural,
or recreational value to the community.
Specific examples of greenspace include rivers, streams, adjacent flood plains and buffer zones;
wetlands and swamps; forest land; public and private parks; and, land held for conservation
purposes by private and public organizations.
Greenspace Priorities: Areas of Concern and Focus
Greenspace preservation is a complex goal and must be examined from a variety of different
viewpoints to ensure success. This Plan recognizes that there are many land uses that affect the
open spaces within the County. The following are priorities of greenspace preservation in
Ashtabula County:
1. To protect streams, rivers, wetlands and floodplains of all watersheds.
A watershed is an area of land from which surface water drains into a common outlet such as
a river, lake, stream, or wetland. Depending on its size and location, a watershed can contain
one or many of the following features: permanent or intermittent streams, ditches, ponds,
lakes, and/or wetlands. Within each watershed, all water runs to the lowest point such as a
stream, river, or lake. On its way, water travels over the surface of the land including farm
fields, forest land, lawns, rooftops, and streets. It also seeps into the soil and travels as
ground water.
2. To protect sensitive and significant wildlife and plant habitats, consideration
must be given to the watershed by eliminating excessive pollution or misuse.
If respect is paid to the watershed by eliminating excessive pollution or misuse, sensitive and
significant wildlife and plant habitats that need these special places for their survival, will be
protected. Conneaut Creek, Grand River, Ashtabula River, and Pymatuning Lake are the
main watersheds within the county (See Table No. 1). These waterways are the pipelines of
water, as well as pollution, which drain, or “shed” into a larger body of water such as Lake
Erie.
Watershed stability has a profound influence on the health of streams, rivers and lakes. A
river cannot be protected without protecting the soils around it. Over time, changes to the
watershed can occur when a stream is polluted, a landfill or septic system does not function
properly, a swamp or wetland is filled, or a stream or river is blocked or diverted.
Some of the changes occur naturally over centuries of weathering and upheaval, but man can
place unnatural stresses on the ecosystem with the spreading of large quantities of chemicals
as fertilizers and pesticides, and the construction of farms homes, roads, and other
infrastructure. When water quality declines, there can be health and economic costs.
Page 15
The Grand River
Courtesy: Marta Stone
Threats to the Watershed
There are many stresses that can threaten the health of any watershed, and thus affect Ashtabula
County’s land in its entirety. The following are threats to all watersheds in Ashtabula County
and neighboring areas:








Incompatible agriculture and forestry practices. These activities can be especially
harmful when there is no vegetative buffer along the creeks, contributing to
sedimentation problems.
Degradation or diversion of headwater streams throughout the watershed.
Superfund hazardous waste sites.
The invasion of plant and animal species, such as Zebra Mussels and Phragmites.
Occasional operating problems of municipal wastewater treatment plants.
Problems with storm water retention or overflows into nearby streams.
Failing septic systems increase nutrients in surface water and lower the amount of
dissolved oxygen that is required for the health of many aquatic organisms.
Incompatible residential, commercial, and industrial development, especially when it
occurs within a floodplain along a river corridor.
These threats are complex and are not limited to those listed in this Plan. However, the simple
act of creating a vegetative buffer along a stream will greatly reduce sedimentation and other
pollutants from reaching the water body. Establishing and maintaining vegetative riparian areas
are key objectives for protecting watersheds. The process and criteria in establishing vegetative
buffers is discussed in this Chapter.
Priority 1. Protect small and large tracts of forests.
There are few tracts of woodlands that have not been timbered since the county was first
settled in the late 1700’s. A minimum of 100 acres is needed for the health of most interior
forest birds. A contiguous tract of 3,000 forested acres is ideal.
Page 16
The County should encourage the preservation of trees in all developmental types. In
addition, property owners should be encouraged to use best management practices when
choosing to remove trees.
Priority 2. To protect wetlands.
Wetlands perform an important ecological function in the ecosystem that benefits plants,
wildlife, and humans. They filter out pollution and sediments before water reaches a stream
or river, which eventually drains into a larger river or lake that provides our drinking water.
Wetlands act like sponges that have the ability to lessen the severity of floods by holding
large volumes of storm water and then releasing it slowly over time.
Communities that depend on well water have a vested interest in wetland protection because
they act as recharge areas for underground aquifers. Wetlands are also plant and wildlife
habitats to many of Ohio’s rare, threatened, and endangered species. Many of these plants
and animals are dependent on wetlands for some part or all of their life cycle. The
elimination and/or degradation of wetlands have a detrimental affect on the natural
environment.
Priority 3. To encourage compatible commercial and residential development.
Particular attention should be paid to specific growth areas such as the Ashtabula Mall
District, all Interstate 90 interchanges, State Route 20, and several town centers. These areas
are under great pressure for economic development and require proper planning. Failure to
implement a comprehensive, long-range planning process in these areas could harm the
economic and social structure of the county. Cities, villages, and townships should consider
creating their own plans that are compatible with this Comprehensive Plan.
Site plan review procedures are site specific. Site plan review varies from one community to
another. They are packaged with zoning regulations. The zoning regulations themselves
are a form of site plan review. However, true site plan review procedures permit the
township to have a stronger voice in suggesting and also requiring specific items with regard
to the design of a project. Landscaping, buffers, curb cuts, and traffic flow are just a few of
the items that can be addressed within site plan review procedures.
This Comprehensive Plan encourages townships, where appropriate, to adopt corridor plans
and site plan review through the zoning certificate process in addition to the zoning authority
they are already permitted under ORC 519.
Additionally, embracing the idea of the “old town center” will refocus attention back on the
geographic center of towns and townships for more dense commercial and residential
development. Promoting development where development is logical will conserve
greenspace while supporting economic development.
Page 17
Walnut Beach
Conneaut Township Park
Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Images, Volume I
Priority 4. To protect rare species, high quality natural communities and habitats.
In several areas of the county, rare species and high quality natural communities and habitats
are thriving. Protecting these areas and encouraging development to occur elsewhere will
contribute to their continued endurance and longevity. See this Chapter: Priority Areas.
Priority 5. To continue and support the balance between greenspace and
recreational needs.
While greenspace does not necessarily equate with recreation, the two often overlap. Parks,
beaches, and hiking trails are all greenspace and recreational in nature. But recreation should
be prohibited in highly sensitive ecological areas. Inter-connectivity of the two will only
come with comprehensive planning.
Priority 6. To educate the public on the important benefits gained from
greenspace preservation and regional thinking.
Greenspace preservation will only occur if the public understands its importance and agrees
with the preservation priorities. Availability of information through many sources including
the newspapers, radio, pamphlets, the Internet, and public meetings will assist in support of
greenspace preservation.
Ashtabula County should also keep informed about greenspace and environmental
developments in surrounding counties, since an ecosystem knows no jurisdictional boundary.
Priority 7. To protect farmland and encourage the use of farmland preservation
tools as laid out in the Farmland Preservation Plan.
Rolling farmland is a scenic vista that is often conjured up in any person’s mind when the
word greenspace is mentioned. The use of farmland preservation tools will greatly affect the
continuance of farmland as just that farmland. Support the ability of farmers to maintain
their land as farmland.
Page 18
Page 19
Table No. 1
Major and Minor Watersheds, Ashtabula County
Watershed
Total
Watershed
Acreage
Acres
Drained
Within
Ashtabula
Area in
Square
Miles*
Ashtabula
87,698
52,787
82.5
13,493
21.1
17,535
27.4
T= 83,815
130.9
92.42%
20.39%
East
Branch
West
Branch
Conneaut
124,685
25,430
39.7
Grand River
Mill Creek
Rock Creek
455,680
104,323
66,771
35,943
163
104.3
56.1
12,700
19.8
T=219,737
343.3
34,461
25,765
53.8
40.3
11,257
17.6
T= 71,483
111.7
54,384
84.9
Three Bro.
Pymatuning
Shenango
182,520
Mosquito
Sub
watershed
Wheeler Cr.
N/A
% of
Total
Acreage
Population
within
Ashtabula
Persons per
acre within
Ashtabula
30,810
0.38
11,666
0.46
26,447
0.12
5,663
0.08
28,142
0.52
102,728
Average 0.32
48.22%
33.37%
Not Avail.
Cowles Cr.
Not Avail.
Indian Cr.
Un-named
Not Avail.
Not Avail.
Total
454,849
710.9
N/A
Notes
1. Source: 1994 Ohio Land Cover Classification, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (Landsat), Ashtabula County Soil and
Water Conservation District.
2. *Square mile area to be used to determine the minimum vegetative buffer width described Section 2.4, No. 2.
3. Map and data table prepared by the Ashtabula County Department of Planning.
4. Map is not intended to show the exact boundaries of the watersheds. Official maps are available for viewing at the Soil and
Water Conservation Office.
5. Approximately 690 acres in Monroe and Pierpont Townships drains directly into PA and is not part of an Ashtabula County
watershed.
6. Population data is from the 2000 Census. Approximations were calculated using block group level data.
Page 20
Greenspace Preservation Tools and Programs
Greenspace preservation tools and programs are numerous and vary in their intent and intensity.
The public and private sectors should be encouraged to use the following preservation tools in
order to preserve greenspace. For more detailed information on these tools and programs,
contact the agency or organization listed under each tool or program.
1.
Conservation Easements
A conservation easement is a voluntary and negotiable restriction that the owner agrees
to place on a property he or she owns in order to protect specific resources associated
with the property. An easement is a legally binding covenant that is publicly recorded.
An easement is given for a specified period of time and is noted on the property’s deed.
A property owner can either sell or donate the development rights in the easement. The
purchaser or holder of the easement has the responsibility to monitor the development
restrictions created by the easement.
Contact: Ashtabula Soil and Conservation District, the Cleveland Museum of Natural
History, the Grand River Partners, Inc. or the Nature Conservancy
2.
Riparian Buffers
Riparian buffers are strips of land maintained along any body of water by the land owner.
They benefit the stream by absorbing and removing pollutants from runoff, reduce
temperature extremes in the water, and supply organic matter to provide carbon nutrients.
Preserving riparian buffers is crucial to the health of streams and rivers that make up the
watershed. Building within the vegetative buffer is discouraged and may not be
permitted within some jurisdictions. There are certain exceptions in some circumstances
in order to assist public infrastructure development.
The destruction of a riparian buffer is often the first step in the death of a stream or river.
The minimum size of the riparian buffer should be determined by the size of the
watershed that the stream drains.
Determining the width of the vegetative buffer is based upon the smaller sub-watershed
area. For example, Mill Creek is part of the Grand River Watershed. Its size is 104.3
square miles. The minimum vegetative buffer advised within the Mill Creek subwatershed is 120 feet wide.
Contact: Ashtabula Soil and Conservation District, the Cleveland Museum of Natural
History, the Grand River Partners, Inc. or the Nature Conservancy
3.
Agricultural Easements, Agricultural Districts, Agricultural Security Areas
There are a variety of preservation tools that farmers can select from to support the land
preservation movement. Chapter Three of the Plan provides detailed information about
these farmland preservation tools.
Contact: Ohio State University Agriculture Extension Office or Ashtabula County Soil and
Water Conservation District
Page 21
4.
Purchase of Development Rights (PDR)
A PDR is the option to sell the right to develop a particular piece of property, but all
other rights remain. It is voluntary and negotiable. Once an agreement is reached
between the land owner and a land trust (typically one associated with local government)
a permanent deed restriction is placed on the property to ensure that the subject land will
not be developed. A PDR may also be referred to as a conservation easement or
agricultural conservation easement.
Contact: Ohio State University Agriculture Extension Office
5.
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)
A TDR is a voluntary program, which accomplishes preservation by transferring the
right to develop land from one area to another. If a particular area is under the eye of
development, this area would be the focus of development. Conversely, the growth in
the area for which the transfer was obtained would be more limited.
Contact: Ohio State University Agriculture Extension Office
6.
Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)
This program offers compensation to a landowner for the protection and restoration of
wetlands that exists on a piece of property. The WRP obtains a conservation easement,
which is managed while the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).
The NRCS also provides technical and financial support to land owners. The owner still
maintains the right to farm, hunt, fish, or undertake other activities that would not
interfere with the protection of the wetland. The USDA may be able to supply funding
for buffer areas 300' in width or more.
Contact: USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
7.
Subdivision Design and Significant Areas
Subdivision regulations control the development within the county that is platted. A
detailed review is made of a proposed development from several agencies including but
not limited to the Department of Planning, County Engineer, County Sanitary Engineer,
Soil and Water Conservation District, Health Department, Local Zoning, and the utility
companies.
A Significant Areas review is performed of the proposed subdivision to determine if any
natural or man-made features exist that may be of particular importance to the
environment or people of Ashtabula County. The Significant Areas are enforced by the
Ashtabula County Department of Planning through its Significant Areas Policies, subject
to Section 426 of the Ashtabula County Subdivision Regulations.
Contact: Ashtabula County Department of Planning
8.
Conservation Developments
Conservation Developments can be residential or commercial projects where a particular
characteristic of the land is preserved. An analysis of the land is performed to determine
where best to locate the structures, typically away from steep slopes, wetland areas or
mature trees. This has the effect of retaining rural views, drainage patterns, agricultural
uses and historic structures.
A conservation development does not stress the environment as a typical subdivision
may. The width and linear feet of streets is often reduced thereby decreasing the total
Page 22
amount of impervious surfaces. Infrastructure extensions such as water and sewer lines
are reduced as well.
Contact: The Countryside Program and the Ashtabula County Department of Planning
9.
Forestry Tax Program and CAUV Tax Program
These two programs provide real estate tax reductions for qualifying property that is used
for forestry and agricultural purposes. Property owners must apply for the tax
deductions. The Ashtabula County Auditor's Office supervises the programs.
Contact: Ashtabula County Auditor’s Office
10.
Modernization and Liberalization of Local Zoning Codes
Local zoning resolutions should be updated periodically. Townships should consider
adding conservation developments and Planned Unit Developments (PUD’s) to their
zoning texts
Contact: Individual Township, Ashtabula County Department of Planning
11.
Planned Infrastructure Extensions and Adequate Public Facilities Plans
The County and each township should perform a comprehensive review of where the
water and sewer line expansion would be appropriate in each township.
Contact: Ashtabula County Department of Environmental Services, Individual Townships
12.
Bargain Sales
A bargain sale is the sale of land for permanent protection to a conservation organization.
The sale price is negotiable but is lower than the fair market value of the property. It
benefits the conservation organization in that the land can be bought for a lesser price.
The landowner benefits because he/she receives a profit from the sale, rather than an
outright donation of the property. The landowner may be eligible for income and capital
gains tax benefits on the land that was donated.
Contact: Ohio State University Agricultural Extension Office, The Cleveland Museum of
Natural History, The Nature Conservancy or Grand River Partners, Inc.
13.
Land Trusts
Land trusts are local, regional, statewide, or national non-profit organizations that are
established to protect land and its resources. Their goal is to protect land that has natural,
ecological, recreational, scenic, historic, or productive value to the community. Land
trusts may use land protection tools such as conservation easements, bargain sales, and
land donation to protect these resources.
Contact: Ohio State University Agricultural Extension Office, The Cleveland Museum of
Natural History, Grand River Partners Inc., or The Nature Conservancy
14.
Storm Water Management Plan
A comprehensive storm water management plan should be developed to address storm
water runoff produced by developments that are not subject to the Subdivision
Regulations. An example would be private commercial developments where no
subdivision of land takes place, but where soil conditions and drainage are changed due
to severe grading, bulldozing, and filling.
Contact: County Engineer’s Office
Priority Areas
Page 23
The following is a list of priority areas identified by representatives of the Cleveland Museum of
Natural History, the Grand River Partners, Inc., and The Nature Conservancy. These areas are
considered to be the primary and secondary most ecologically important, unprotected areas
within Ashtabula County. See Map No. 2 showing the general locations of the Priority Areas.
Primary Importance
Ashtabula Beach Grass Dunes
The sand dunes on Walnut Beach and private lands west of Walnut Beach in the City of
Ashtabula support the best beach grass dunes on the Ohio shoreline of Lake Erie. The best Ohio
populations of two rare plants, beach grass and beach pea, grow on the dunes.
Ashtabula River Headwaters
The headwater of the East Branch of the Ashtabula River contains one of the most important
wetlands within Ohio. A high quality fen harboring several state endangered plants and
extensive emergent marshes are present in the headwater area.
Big Bluestem Slump
The Big Bluestem Slump is a natural opening along the north valley wall of the Grand River
downstream from the Harpersfield Covered Bridge. Several rare plants and insects are restricted
to the open slope that is locally dominated by the prairie grass big bluestem with scattered red
cedars.
Grand River mainstream, tributaries, riparian areas, and floodplains
The Grand River, its tributaries, its riparian areas and floodplains support several rare natural
communities, including some of the finest Hemlock Hardwood Swamps within Ohio. Dozens of
state-endangered and state-threatened plants, birds, fish and mussels have been documented
within the basin.
Austinburg Hemlock Swamp
Several rare plants and birds have been documented within the Austinburg Hemlock Swamp.
The forest wetland is located on the Grand River Lowland in southern Austinburg Township.
State-endangered and state-threatened plants and birds have been mapped within the complex of
wetlands.
Kingsville Swamp
Kingsville Swamp is an extensive Buttonbush Swamp and Pumpkin Ash Swamp Forest located
between inland beach ridges south of U.S. Rt. 20. Several rare species occur in the swamp
including a rare beetle recently described as a new species. The wetland provides ground water
to spring fed wetlands located one mile north of the swamp at the North Kingsville Sand
Barrens.
Lake Cardinal Swamp
Lake Cardinal Swamp consists of vernal ponds and Swamp White Oak Swamp Forest. Several
rare species within the wetland are known nowhere else within the Grand River Lowland. One
rare moth at Lake Cardinal feeds exclusively on the state threatened velvet-leaf blueberry. The
rare blueberry is locally common at the swamp.
Page 24
Morgan Woods
Morgan Woods is one of the finest Hemlock Hardwood Swamps on the Grand River Lowland.
Rome Swamp Forest Wetland
Rome Swamp Forest wetland is a 350-acre wetland interspersed with numerous vernal ponds.
The dominant tree in the wetland is swamp white oak. More than a dozen rare plants and the
globally rare Massasauga rattlesnake occur within the large wetland.
Trumbull Township Swamp Forest
This swamp forest, located in northern Trumbull Township, is a several hundred acre forest
wetland. Many rare birds and plants have been mapped within the site.
Wheeler Creek Riverine Marsh
The wetland at the mouth of Wheeler Creek, within the western section of Geneva State Park, is
one of the finest riverine marshes along the shore of Lake Erie. The wetland is threatened by
two invasive plants, Phragmites and hybrid cattail.
Conneaut Creek mainstream, tributaries, riparian areas, tributaries and floodplains
This pristine river basin supports several rare plants, birds, insects, reptiles and fish. Many of the
species within the river have endangered status within Ohio. Recent work by The Cleveland
Museum of Natural History has documented dozens of important native species.
The Ashtabula River mainstream, tributaries, riparian areas and floodplains
The Ashtabula River above the City of Ashtabula supports high quality Mixed Mesophytic
Forests and Hemlock Northern Hardwood Forests. The water quality upstream from the city is
excellent. Several rare plants and birds have been documented along the river. Recent
inventories by The Cleveland Museum of Natural History have revealed dozens of rare species
occurrences within the basin.
Pymatuning Creek Valley
The Pymatuning Creek Valley, within the Ohio River watershed, supports a very rare natural
community within Ohio, the fen wetland. Fens are glacial relict plant communities located
within permanent spring seeps. Some of the fens located along the creek are considered among
the best within Ohio. The stream supports the only federally listed species within Ashtabula
County, the clubshell mussel
Secondary Importance
Conneaut Hemlock Swamp
A fine quality Hemlock Swamp Forest on the Lake Plain in Conneaut.
Turkey Creek
A Lake Erie tributary stream that has a natural sand beach and riverine marsh in Conneaut just
west of the Pennsylvania line. The headwaters of the creek in Pennsylvania have been protected.
The Ohio portion is still unprotected
Geneva Swamp Forest
A several hundred acre Elm-Ash-Maple Swamp Forest with scattered buttonbush ponds and
shrub swamps on the Lake Plain flats along the west side of Ohio Route 534 between the City of
Page 25
Geneva and Geneva-on-the-Lake Village. Few examples of this once extensive swamp forest
system have been protected anywhere along the southern shore of Lake Erie.
Linton Road Beaver Pond
A several-hundred-acre beaver pond system located on the Cherry Valley/Wayne Township line.
The wetland complex includes open ponds, emergent marshes and swamp forests. During a very
minimal survey by the Museum, several rare plants were found along the wetlands and many
more are certainly present.
Monroe Township Hemlock Woods
One of the few Hemlock Hardwood Swamps known in Monroe Township. It has several rare
plant species.
Monroe Woods
Along the Pennsylvania line, is an extensive yellow birch dominated wetland. The area has been
recognized as an important site for rare plants since 1930.
Padanarum Woods
An extensive Hemlock Hardwood Swamp along the Pennsylvania line north of Pymatuning State
Park. Several very rare species have been documented within the wetland.
Pymatuning Headwaters
An extensive system of swamp forests, beaver ponds and wetlands. It is also the headwaters for
the Mill Creek tributary to the Grand River.
Mosquito Creek
A tributary stream to the Ohio River, supports several species including a rare crayfish not
known within the Lake Erie drainage streams.
Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Images, Volume II
Page 26
Page 27
Evaluating Ecologically Sensitive Areas
Characteristics of ecologically sensitive areas include the following:





Areas where there are rare plant and animal species;
High quality examples of native biological diversity and plant communities;
Communities exhibiting a diversity of habitat structure, age and size classes of
populations, connections between breeding and feeding habitats for native species;
Presence of key ecological functions for habitats, such as flooding, seasonal wetlands,
natural disturbances, downed logs and snags, adequate shade or light, etc.; and,
Absence of irreversible threats to the ecosystem.
Threats to Ecologically Sensitive Areas
Threats to ecologically sensitive areas include but are not limited to the following:




Impacts to the biological composition and interactions of species (including serious
invasive species);
Fragmentation of habitat leading to a loss of connectivity between areas needed for
species life cycles;
Disruption of natural surface or groundwater flow or levels; and,
Impacts to soil and water quality, sedimentation, excessive grazing, or habitat conversion
or destruction.
Strategies for preserving ecologically Sensitive Areas
It is essential for land conservationists and preservationists to describe the specific values of
particular features, such as woodlands or wetlands, which comprise an ecologically sensitive
area because such features will guide its evaluation. The evaluation will then consider the
following:



Current quality and condition of the site;
Potential for the areas to be sustained through natural processes; and,
Potential for further restoration or buffering.
Three categories should be considered in evaluating the long-term health of a sensitive area:

Size
The site needs enough space or habitat area for the species and natural communities to
thrive, and it must be large enough to continue or improve over time.

Condition
Does the area have all the necessary components (species, habitat characteristics) for it to
perpetuate itself in good condition? Can it be improved?
Page 28







Does it contain threatened or rare species, or good examples of native plant and animal
communities?
Are there significant or irreversible threats to the area?
Landscape Context
How does the site fit into its adjacent landscape?
What kinds of natural or human-made disturbances can the area sustain and still retain the
features or values for which it was protected?
Will the habitat and inhabitants be able to respond to disturbances by moving or recolonizing?
Are there certain ecological functions which keep the area intact (e.g., flooding or
seasonal wetlands)?
Do species have adequate access to habitat and resources needed to complete their life
cycles?
Land Holders and Their Importance in Greenspace Preservation
There are several agencies and organizations that promote greenspace by preserving large tracts
of land throughout Ashtabula County. They include but are not limited to:







Township Park Commissions
Ashtabula County Metropolitan Parks District
Ashtabula Soil and Water Conservation District
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Grand River Partners, Incorporated
The Nature Conservancy
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Supporting the efforts of these agencies and organizations will bolster the land preservation
movement within the county. A brief description of the goal of each agency is given below:
Ashtabula County Soil and Water Conservation District
The Ashtabula County Soil and Water Conservation District is an independent body of state
government responsible for the conservation of soil and water resources. It acts as the holder of
conservation easements and anchor easements totaling over 800 acres in the county. They help
to educate property owners on whether a conservation easement is appropriate for a particular
tract of land.
Ashtabula County Metropolitan Park District
The Ashtabula Metropolitan Park District’s mission is to preserve adequate open space, to
provide park and recreational areas to meet our growing needs; to maintain examples of the
natural beauty and rural character of our county; to enhance our natural resources; to educate
about our natural surroundings; and, to promote a pleasant and health giving environment for the
people of Ashtabula County.
Page 29
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History
The goal of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is to acquire a system of preserves that
best represent the bio-diversity of the Cleveland region. The Museum works to acquire tracts of
viable high quality forest, sand barrens, fens, stream corridors, emergent marshes, and shrub
swamps.
Grand River Partners, Inc.
This private, non-profit land trust is working to protect the water quality, open space, natural,
recreational, agricultural, and scenic resources of the Grand River and its watershed in Ashtabula
County by uniting residents, landowners, businesses and communities in the stewardship and
permanent protection of the Grand River watershed. Grand River Partners, Inc. acts as a holder
of conservation easements in the county.
The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a private, non-profit, 501 (c) (3) worldwide membership
organization. Its mission is to preserve plants, animals, and natural communities that represent
the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
The ODNR is dedicated to conserving and improving the fish and wildlife resources and their
habitats. It also promotes their use and appreciation by the public so that these resources can
continue to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Ohio.
Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Images, Volume I
Page 30
Page 31
Recommendations
This section provides general and specific recommendations for both the public and private
sectors to consider for greenspace preservation in the County.
Water Resources

Establish protection for all rivers and watersheds by encouraging the use of vegetative
buffers and other tools as prescribed in Chapter 3.

Connect river corridors of Ashtabula County with protected lands and parks.

Recommend public and private groups work together to protect county watersheds.

Maintain and provide for more public access to such waterways and lakeshores.

Promote the Wild and Scenic River designations for the Ashtabula River, Conneaut
Creek and the Grand River.

Provide additional public access to the Lake Erie shoreline and increase recreational
opportunities such as swimming, boating, and fishing.

Seek funding for the creation of educational materials to educate the public on the
greenspace preservation tools available, and the many advantages to preserving local
ecological features.
Woodlands

Preserve remaining large tracts of woodlands as wildlife and bird habitat.

Landowners should be encouraged to selectively cut trees for lumber.
Development

Update the county’s water and sewer plans to reduce any potential problems with failing
septic systems

Encourage vegetative buffer requirements for any development in or adjacent to the
following land areas: riparian corridors, isolated wetlands/lakes, ponds, and unique
landforms (e.g., beaches/sand barrens, old growth forests, etc. as prescribed in this
chapter).

Development should be discouraged within 300' feet of the delineation boundary line for
wetlands that support state endangered and/or state threatened species (Exceptional value
wetlands) Storm water should not be discharged into an "Exceptional Value Wetland".
Page 32

When development occurs, the banking of resources should be encouraged so that the
Prioritized Greenspace Areas in Ashtabula County might be protected.

Encourage and reward the use of Brownfield sites for industrial development.
Discourage development of natural areas when Brownfield areas are available. Local
agencies should apply for Clean Ohio Fund monies to assist with these projects.

Encourage the use of conservation easements and other conservation tools and programs.
Zoning

Consider supporting a comprehensive revision to the 1989 Ohio Model Zoning Code.

Consider updating zoning codes to support soil conservation and “significant area”
preservation and consider encouraging townships, cities, and villages to update their
zoning codes to encourage conservation developments/cluster zoning.
Significant Lands

Protect areas containing “ecologically significant” plants and animals and the habitat
they need to survive.

Catalogue species present on significant lands to document what is within the county.

Encourage public and private entities to complete a mapping system that inventories
ecologically significant lands that should be protected from development and identifies
lands already protected by public or private entities.

Set aside public parks or open spaces around Ashtabula County’s covered bridges to
insure public enjoyment and preserve the natural setting.

Protect and enhance public access to Lake Erie and its shoreline.

Recommend that the Greenspace Committee meet at least once a year to monitor the
status of the Plan’s recommendations.

Increase awareness and funding for the Ashtabula County Metropolitan Park District.
Page 33
Chapter 3
Farmland Preservation
Vision
The mission statement of the Ashtabula County Farmland Preservation Committee
was established March 29, 2000. The mission statement provides guidance for those
who will work toward the preservation of farmland within Ashtabula County.
Mission Statement: “To maintain and enhance the rural character of prime and
unique farmland, balanced with commercial and residential development and the
important areas of natural resources.”
Introduction
At the invitation of the Ashtabula County Commissioners, a diverse group of citizens and
supporters of Ashtabula County met in February 2000, at the Ashtabula Campus of Kent
State University to create a shared vision for the county that would take it into the next
century.
The County’s Future Search Conference, Land and Living in Ashtabula County: A
Community in Conversation About Its Future, utilized the diverse knowledge and expertise
of participants to identify the key trends and issues the county will face in the beginning of
this century. Together, they envisioned a future for Ashtabula County.
One of the specific goals recommended at the conference was to develop a farmland and
farm business preservation plan. As a result, a Farmland Preservation Committee was
established to address the concerns and goals identified at the conference. Key agricultural
members were identified in each township to serve on the committee.
The Farmland Preservation Plan, completed in early 2001, is the combined effort of the
following community members: Harlan Baldwin-Chairman, David Marrison-Secretary,
Robert Boggs, Albert Dispenza, Jim Welker, Jim Comp, Bob Gale, Ray Gruber, Jr., Harold
Haines, Glen Haines, Dick Brail, Mike Heiner, George Hogle, Lee Kellogg, Charlie Krzic,
Laddie Kubichek, John Kusar, Charles Lewis, Ruth Ann Manners, Laddie Marous, Jr.,
Nathan Paskey, Erick Smith, Jim and Kathy Smolinski, Tom Coltman, Greg Johns, and
Robert Wilson. Since the initial gathering of the farmland preservation committee, numerous
other individuals have contributed and continue to contribute to farmland preservation efforts
within the county.
Agriculture plays a vital role in Ashtabula County. In total, the agricultural industry
generates nearly 50 million dollars of gross cash receipts yearly. Over 22% of the county is
described as prime farmland. The county has a total acreage of 455,100 acres with 189,510
acres (42%) enrolled in the “Current Agricultural Use Valuation” program and 116,958
acres (26%) enrolled in agricultural districts (see Chart No. 1). The most recent Agricultural
Census indicates the number of farms in Ashtabula County to be 1,090 with the average farm
Chapter 3, Farmland
Page 34
containing 166 acres. A net loss of land in farms of approximately 15,000 acres has occurred
since1980 (see Chart No. 2).
Ashtabula County’s agricultural industry should be recognized for its contribution to the
local and regional economy. Dairy production, cattle, and grain commodities have been and
continue to be the major source of agricultural economic strength. Vineyards, nurseries, tree
farms, orchards and other specialty agricultural production add to that strength. The unique
microclimate produced by Lake Erie provides the ability for orchard and vineyard crops to be
produced and flourish in the northern section of the county. From this specialty agricultural
production, the local economy has benefited through increased tourism due to festivals and
special events held at wineries and farm markets.
Why a Land Use Plan is Important to Farmland Preservation in Ashtabula
County.
The types of agriculture and traditional practices utilized by agriculture in the county are
changing. The continual increase in development occurring outside of the municipal and
village jurisdictions has had and will continue to have a negative impact on traditional
agriculture. Farming will continue to offer opportunities for direct marketing and valueadded agriculture such as fruits, vegetables, vineyards, nursery plants and tree farms in
adjacent urban areas if these areas can be maintained as agricultural lands.
Private and public sector cooperation will be needed to curb activities that negatively impact
agriculture in the county to ensure farming remains a viable economic activity. Just as
important as remaining economically viable, the rights of the agricultural sector and
individuals who chose to establish residences and/or commercial enterprises in a
predominantly agricultural area must be balanced.
Areas of agricultural activity that currently exist on prime farmland, which are viable due to
microclimates or are concentrated in a certain geographical area, should be considered for
protection. No single program or tool may achieve farmland protection goals in the county.
A protection program should be in accord with the desires of the community and its
landowners, the status of farming in the area, and a clear strategy on which land to preserve
and how to do so. Farmland preservation should be focused not simply on saving land from
development, but ensuring that agriculture is a profitable venture that enhances the local
economic base.
Farmland preservation is a long-term process. It may take years of careful planning, public
and private investment, and most of all, landowner support, to be successful. Several Cost of
Community Services studies (American Farmland Trust’s report for Lake County, Ohio)
have been completed recently. The conclusions reached indicate the conversion of active
farmland into residential development places a financial burden on a community.
Growth needs to occur carefully, taking into consideration the impacts on property taxes,
schools, safety forces, roads and other infrastructure. Growth management, however, does
involve costs. Regulations and other land use controls must be compatible with the business
of farming as well.
Chapter 3, Farmland
Page 35
Agriculture within the county is coming under increased pressure as new residential
development expands, land values increase, infrastructure is expanded and urban/rural
conflicts arise. The concerns surrounding farmland preservation, wildlife habitat
preservation, quality of life, open and green space preservation, history, heritage, residential
and commercial development, protecting unique and natural resource areas are all related.
The time to begin to look for solutions to these challenges is now.
The development of a Comprehensive Land Use Plan for Ashtabula County would be very
beneficial for guiding future development and land use decisions by both public and private
sectors. Addressing the issues of agriculture and farmland preservation within a
comprehensive land use plan will assure agriculture’s sustainability, viability and
compatibility with other land users.
Areas of Concern & Focus
It is important for everyone within the County to recognize the unique and prime farmland in
Ashtabula County and the economic benefits these areas provide to the community. Without
this understanding, land use decision makers no doubt will make choices to the detriment of
agriculture. The committee encourages the top priority be given to the preservation of key
agricultural areas such as the Harpersfield Grape Region, Pymatuning Region and the Grand
River Corridor (See Map No.1). However, areas not designated will still be eligible for any
preservation tool adopted.
Harpersfield Vineyard
Summer Farm, Monroe Township
Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Images Volumes I and II
Chapter 3, Farmland
Page 36
Issues & Challenges to Farmland Preservation
Farmland preservation efforts in many instances are looked upon as an opposition to new
subdivisions or the extension of infrastructure. As communications between all parties
involved improve, it is understood this is not the case. Many people can come to the
realization that the agricultural community is actually attempting to safeguard a way of life.
In protecting the family farm, the rural atmosphere may be perpetuated and the local
economy the agricultural community supports can be maintained. Therefore, by encouraging
the continued existence of agriculture, people were actually promoting various public
purposes related to the general welfare of the community as opposed to saving a piece of land
from development.
Agricultural interests must be kept as a priority in budget considerations for groups
supporting agriculture. These groups would include extension programs, Soil and Water
Conservation District programs, and coordinated efforts between agricultural groups and the
public for education purposes that discuss the viability of agriculture, awareness of
agricultural programming, and the effect of community development on agriculture.
The underlying challenge is to maintain a viable agricultural presence within the county that
is mindful of individual property rights and has community wide support through positive
relationship building and education among residents, farmers and public officials.
Farmland Preservation Priorities
The following general concepts are offered for consideration and guidance to voluntarily
preserve farmland within Ashtabula County. The statements are not in any order of priority
but are considered to be goals of the farmland preservation:

Priority No. 1
Work to maintain a viable agricultural presence in Ashtabula County that is mindful of
individual private property rights and has community wide support through positive
relationship building and education among residents, farmers and public officials.

Priority No. 2
Encourage public officials to utilize a mix of tools to preserve prime and unique farmland
in Ashtabula County. Officials should seek opportunities to tie local resources with state
and national resources.

Priority No. 3
Recognize the unique and prime farmland in Ashtabula County. The committee
encourages the top priority be given to the preservation of key agricultural areas such as
the Harpersfield Grape Region, Pymatuning Region and the Grand River Corridor.
However, areas not designated will still be eligible for any preservation tool adopted.

Priority No. 4
Promote the establishment of Agricultural Security Areas (ASA’s) where farmland
preservation activities are encouraged. Criteria to consider for proposed ASA areas are
parcels currently in CAUV (Current Agricultural Use Valuation) program, agricultural
Chapter 3, Farmland
Page 37
districts, forestry tax program, prime farmland soils, concentration of contiguous
agricultural lands and unique microclimates.

Priority No. 5
Continue to promote an understanding of the importance of the agricultural community to
Ashtabula County through support of voluntary methods such as CAUV and agricultural
districts.

Priority No. 6
Pursue legislation that revises the Ohio Revised Code to add an agricultural disclosure
item to the Real Estate Disclosure form for real estate and vacant land that is adjacent to
land enrolled in CAUV and an agricultural district. The suggested verbiage for the
agricultural disclosure would be: “Your property is located adjacent to land that may be
used for agricultural/farming purposes. You can expect noise from farm machinery, dust
from farming operations, the application of chemicals to soil and crops, odors or noise
from livestock and other typical farming nuisances. You can expect farming operations
to happen day or night. You can expect hunting on agricultural land.”

Priority No. 7
Encourage public officials to consider the impact of their actions on the vitality of the
agricultural industry before making decisions affecting community, economic, and social
development in the county. Support the Ashtabula County Planning Commission, the
Ashtabula County Department of Planning and the Ashtabula County Community
Services in requiring notification on the disclosure form, which shall be transferred to the
deed, on property under review for subdivision regulation and that is adjacent to land
enrolled in CAUV and an agricultural district.

Priority No. 8
Support the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ashtabula County Commissioners in
funding a voluntary purchase of development rights program. It is recommended that a
local funding source be established for agricultural preservation programs. Potential
sources of funding to consider include the Ashtabula County general fund, additional
permissive property transfer taxes, a sales tax or an additional inside millage property tax.

Priority No. 9
Support the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Ashtabula County Commissioners or
any other entity to finance conservation easements in Ashtabula County.

Priority No. 10
Establish a local farmland preservation office. Encourage the Ashtabula County
Commissioners to hire a coordinator who will be responsible for the farmland
preservation initiative. This coordinator would be responsible for education of
agricultural and non-agricultural communities.

Priority No. 11
Support the designation of countywide resources to help increase the appreciation and
awareness of the importance of agriculture among the residents of Ashtabula County.
Educational outreach is critical for both the public and private sectors to have a better
Chapter 3, Farmland
Page 38
understanding of agricultural issues so that rational decisions may be made concerning
use of resources, environmental policies, and basic farm management. The general
public must be made aware of the ongoing transition of agriculture due to economics and
technology.

Priority No. 12
As part of the educational component, distribute the pamphlet “Good Neighbor
Relations” to all landowners with land enrolled in CAUV and develop a packet of
information to be given to realtors, builders, new residents, social and community
organizations to inform them about the industry of agriculture in Ashtabula County.

Priority No. 13
Recommend that the Farmland Preservation Committee meet at least once a year to
monitor the status of this plan’s recommendations and that a comprehensive review be
conducted in 2005.
Farmland Preservation Tools
Various farmland preservation methods and tools were presented to the farmland
preservation committee. The group developed the following priority ranking (highly
suggested method to least suggested method):
No. 1
No. 2
No. 3
No. 4
No. 5
No. 6
No. 7
No. 8
No. 9
No. 10
No. 11
No. 12
Agricultural Security Areas
Agricultural Districts
Purchase of Development Right (PDR)
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)
Current Agriculture Use Value (CAUV)
Forestry Tax Program
Agricultural Conservation Easements
Bargain Sales
Urban Growth Boundaries
Land Trusts
County Comprehensive Planning
Agricultural Zoning
Chapter 3, Farmland
Page 39
Courtesy: Farmland Preservation Plan
Map No. 1
Chapter 3, Farmland
Page 40
Contained within the Farmland Preservation Plan for Ashtabula County is support data on
which recommendations were based. Copies of the plan may be obtained by contacting the
County Department of Planning, OSU Extension or Ashtabula Soil and Water Conservation
District.
Chapter 3, Farmland
Page 41
Chapter 3, Farmland
Page 42
Chapter 3, Farmland
Page 43
Chapter 4
Transportation
Vision
To promote a safe, efficient, and effective transportation system to move people and
goods, that improves conditions, make better use of inter-modal resources, and
expands transportation choices for the residents of Ashtabula County.
Introduction
Ashtabula County is located in a major east-west transportation corridor. The county offers the
best opportunities in terms of highway, rail and port transportation mix. People and places are
connected to one another by the current transportation system, although not at optimal levels.
The transportation system consists of facilities that can be expanded to enhance Ashtabula’s
many modes of transport including cars, trucks, buses, trains, ships, airplanes, bicycles, and
pedestrians.
The primary focus of this chapter is meeting Ashtabula County’s future transportation needs for
roads, trails/pathways, walkways, public transit (including commuter rail), railroads, ports, and
airports by further developing the existing framework.
Ashtabula County’s population is expected to increase over the next twenty years. Existing
transportation capacities are not sufficient to accommodate the additional demand.
Transportation strategies must be developed to maintain acceptable levels of service within the
transportation systems as growth occurs.
Transportation Goals and Priorities
The transportation goals and priorities are intended to provide a variety of local and regional
transportation choices to serve current and future residents of Ashtabula County. They
encourage multi-modal and pedestrian friendly facilities that support and advocate coordination
with an array of land uses. The transportation goals emphasize the movement of people and
products effectively and safely; and, maintain and/or improve environmental conditions.
Intergovernmental Coordination
It is important that comprehensive plans, and especially transportation plans, be coordinated
between neighboring governmental jurisdictions. The following goals and policies are intended
to address these vital planning principles.
Goal No. 1
Develop transportation plans that complement, support, and are consistent
with land use plans from other jurisdictions and within multi jurisdictional
agencies.
Priorities
Chapter 4, Transportation
Page 44
1.1
Coordinate planning and operational aspects of the regional transportation system
with cities/villages/townships within Ashtabula County, Ashtabula County
Transportation System (ACTS), the County Engineer, the Ohio Department of
Transportation (ODOT), Northeast Ohio Area Coordinating Agency (NOACA ),
Federal Highway Administration (FHA), Transportation Equity Act for the 21st
Century (TEA-21), adjacent jurisdictions, and any other affected agencies;
1.2
The localized transportation elements of the Comprehensive Plan shall be
consistent with regional transportation plans; and,
1.3
Development of regional transportation plans shall be coordinated and consistent
with adopted comprehensive land use and transportation plans of adjacent
jurisdictions.
Consistency and Concurrency
ODOT’s Surface Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) identifies specific State projects
that are needed to mitigate impacts to the transportation system due to existing deficiencies and
expected growth.
Goal No. 2
Provide transportation system improvements concurrent with development
and consistent with adopted land use, corridor, and transportation plans.
Priorities
2.1
Maintain an inventory of transportation facilities and services to support
management of the transportation system and to monitor system performance;
2.2
Transportation improvements intended to serve new development shall be in
place at the time new development impacts occur. If this is not feasible, then a
financial commitment, consistent with the County Subdivision Regulations, shall
be made to assure completion of the improvement within a specified period of
time;
2.3
Transportation improvements should be consistent with land use plans, capital
facilities funding resources, and other planning elements;
2.4
Coordinate planning with appropriate jurisdictions and utility companies for
corridors that may affect the transportation system;
2.5
Use ten (10) to twenty (20) year horizons when preparing transportation forecasts
to provide information on the location, timing, and capacity needs of future
growth; and,
2.6
The transportation system should support the Land Use Element of the Ashtabula
County Comprehensive Plan and any other adopted Corridor Plans.
Alternative Modes of Travel
Page 45
Countywide planning policies encourage the development of a transportation plan to embrace
alternative modes of transportation in contrast to individual automobiles including public
transportation, pedestrian walkways, bikeways, air transportation, port, and rail facilities. It is
expected that the automobile will continue to be the dominant mode of transportation in the
foreseeable future, both in terms of the number of trips generated and the distance traveled.
However, alternative modes of transportation can play an important and beneficiary role in the
transportation system. Encouraging alternative modes of transportation can lessen congestion,
reduce air pollution, attenuate consumption of natural resources and curtail maintenance costs.
To encourage the use of alternative travel modes, transportation facilities must be provided that
are convenient, safe, and economical.
Goal No. 3a Provide a range of transportation choices within the Ashtabula County
Region.
Priorities
3a.1
The transportation system should provide a range of transportation modes.
Public Transportation
Goal No. 3b Provide a safe, convenient and economical public transportation system.
Priorities
3b.1
Coordinate effective public transportation services and facilities with other
governments and communities to create a regional network;
3b.2
Develop transit services and facilities that support land use plans and integrate
regional and local transportation needs;
3b.3
Support development of park and ride areas;
3b.4
Encourage the use of buses, ride sharing, and higher capacity transit services to
improve efficiency of the transportation system; and,
3b.5
Provide inter-modal connections to enhance the efficiency and convenience of
public transportation.
Goal No. 3c
Encourage land uses that will support a high capacity transportation system.
Priorities
3c.1
Preserve existing rights-of-way (ROW) and designate new potential ROW where
identified needs are anticipated;
3c.2
Support high capacity transit facilities and services that are consistent with the
actions and plans of the ACTS, County Engineer, ODOT, Federal TEA-21 Acts,
and other jurisdictions; and,
Page 46
3c.3
Provide for mixed use activity centers that complement and encourage high
capacity transportation corridors
Non-motorized Travel - Bicycle and Pedestrian
Goal No. 3d Promote pedestrian and bicycle transportation countywide and increase
safety, mobility, and convenience for non-motorized modes of travel.
Priorities
3d.1
The transportation network should provide safe and convenient bicycle and
pedestrian access between housing, recreation, commercial centers, schools,
community facilities, and mass transit station points;
3d.2
Sidewalks and other types of pathways shall be designed, constructed, and
encouraged within ROW. Public bicycle and pedestrian facilities, where
approved by the applicable authority, shall be clearly marked and maintained;
3d.3
Promote hard surface pathway systems, including concrete, asphalt, rubber, and
pseudo brick as an alternative to conventional sidewalks that are considered
separate from the road if they are compatible with characteristics of the area
and/or neighborhood and maintenance mechanisms are assured;
3d.4
Convenient and secure off-street parking facilities should be required at major
destinations and transportation centers;
3d.5
Promote the identification and preservation of abandoned railroad ROW for
development of bike, pedestrian, and equestrian routes or other types of nonmotorized transportation; and,
3d.6
Develop ROW and pedestrian/bike pathway standards that contribute to a
network of fully interconnected routes.
Rail Transportation
Goal No. 3e
Support and advocate for the continued viability of the passenger and
freight rail system as existing or proposed in the region.
Priorities
3e.1
Participate with other jurisdictions to facilitate safe and efficient rail systems;
3e.2
Promote cooperation with railroads to develop traffic safety and convenience,
including grade separations (e.g., over/under passes), improving crossings, and
siting passenger rail stations;
3e.3
Land use types and densities should be established along rail corridors that
Page 47
support and are conducive to freight and commuter rail transportation;
3e.4
Advance the continuation of rail service that fosters the viability of local
economies; and,
3e.5
Encourage consolidation of operating rail lines and corridors to facilitate safety,
improve cost effectiveness, and reduce impacts on surrounding lands.
Air Transportation
Goal No. 3f
Assure future land uses are compatible with airport operations, to protect
and preserve the airport and the public investment in the airport.
Priorities
3f.1
Prevent incompatible uses:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
Residential and other noise sensitive uses.
Congregations of people in approach and departure areas to protect
people and property on the ground.
Man-made and natural structures that can interfere with flight.
Uses which may be affected by vibration or fumes from aircraft
operations.
Uses of land on the airport that interfere with areas needed for aviation
related activities.
3f.2
Encourage commercial and industrial uses that benefit from or enhance airport
operations;
3f.3
Decisions on zoning reclassifications and land use developments should consider
probable noise nuisances and accident potentials of airport operations;
3f.4
Coordinate nearby developments with the Airport’s Master Plan, Airport Layout
Plan, and Airport zoning;
3f.5
Ensure that the County’s Comprehensive Plan and other land use guidance is
coordinated with federal and state regulations regarding airport operations;
3f.6
Seek to modify subdivision regulations to include a recording of an Airport
Disclosure
Agreement – basic disclosure of airport noise situations for development within
three (3)
miles of airport property; and,
3f.7.
Provide for adequate services and facilities in scale with the airport’s needs.
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Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Images I
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Ports
Goal No. 3g Protect, support, and enhance Ashtabula County’s Ports along Lake Erie.
Priorities
3g.1
Ensure that port planning and expansion is coordinated and consistent with the
goals and priorities of the Ashtabula County Comprehensive Plan.
Map No. 3
Map No. 4
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Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Image II s
Transportation System Design
Urban/Suburban Road Functional Classifications
Principal Arterials: Principle arterials are typically two (2) or more lane, moderately fast
thoroughfares designed to permit relatively unimpeded traffic flow between major traffic
generators such as central business districts, large shopping centers, and primary employment
areas for example. They are generally in the highest volume corridors and serve the longer trip
destinations. Access to principle arterials should be managed per accepted access management
principles and standards.
Minor Arterials: Minor arterials interconnect and augment the principle arterial system. They
are also two (2) or more lane thoroughfares, yet provide less mobility than principle arterials,
with greater access to adjacent property frontage.
Collector Arterials: Collector arterials provide both land access and traffic circulation within
residential neighborhoods, commercial, and industrial areas. They primarily serve individual
neighborhoods by distributing traffic from such generators as elementary schools and
neighborhood stores to minor and principle arterials. Collector arterials are relatively low speed,
two (2) lane facilities that often provide for on-street parking.
Local Access Roads: Local access roads provide access to adjacent property and generally do not
support through traffic. They can be located in both urban and rural settings. The alignment and
traffic control measures on local access roads should encourage a slow, safe speed.
Special Sections: The County Engineer may allow special ROW sections incorporating certain
design elements (e.g., planting strips, median treatments, etc.) that enhance the roadway’s
geographic location, scenic vistas, or recreational opportunities. The design should not degrade
the functionality or safety of the ROW. Where a special section is desired and includes a
landscaping element, a maintenance plan should also be required.
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Design of Urban/Suburban Roads
The design of streets can have a tremendous impact on the character of a community. Over the
past fifty years, the emphasis in street design has been on increasing capacity for the automobile.
The citizens of Ashtabula County have expressed a desire to consider the needs of all potential
street users when transportation facilities are being designed. Designs shall accommodate
pedestrians, bicycles, and other modes of transit as well as the individual automobile. An
emphasis should be placed on advocating for streets designed to form a network with multiple
routes to any given point and minimize cul-de-sacs, which lead to fragmentation. Connected
street design allows for dispersal of traffic and provides easier access for emergency and service
vehicles. Besides those important issues, street design should support adjacent land uses. These
and other design issues are addressed in the following goals and priorities.
Goal No. 4
Ensure that urban/suburban ROW systems are designed to preserve and be
consistent with community character.
Priorities
4.1
Utilize the best available engineering practices to ensure a safe and efficient
roadway system;
4.2
Optimize the capacity of existing ROW to minimize the need for new or
expanded roads through the use of improved signage, signalization, lane
striping/marking, road maintenance, and other appropriate means;
4.3
Provide coordinated and integrated traffic control measures to greatest extent
possible;
4.4
Discourage private roads as a principle means of access to developments.
Contemplate private drives or alleyways within developments as a passable
means of circulation, provided adequate provisions are in place to assure safe
travel, emergency access, and permanent private maintenance;
4.5
Transportation facility design standards should support the creation and
preservation of communities and neighborhoods consistent with Smart Growth
initiatives, while simultaneously providing for the safe and efficient movement of
people and goods;
4.6
Develop an arterial ROW plan(s) that emphasizes planned corridors for higher
capacity roadways;
4.7
Design of new transportation facilities and/or ROW improvements should
incorporate ample consideration of the cultural, historical, and aesthetic issues
associated with a proposed transportation improvement;
4.8
Adequate access to and circulation within all developments should be maintained
for emergency, service, and public transportation vehicles;
4.9
Consolidate access to non-residential properties by encouraging the development
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of commercial and industrial park centers rather than strip projects to minimize
traffic congestion on arterials;
4.10
Encourage ROW designs, which reduce the number of access points on principle
arterials by combining curb cuts for adjacent properties and using marginal or
frontage roads if feasible;
4.11
Advocate for new developments, including multifamily projects, to be arranged
in a pattern of connecting streets and blocks to allow people to circulate
conveniently and safely by foot, bicycle, bus or car. Cul-de-sacs or other closed
street systems may be appropriate where topography and other physical
limitations make connecting streets impractical;
4.12
Encourage local access streets that are curvilinear, narrower and/or use other
street designs consistent with safety requirements to discourage through traffic in
neighborhoods where such design fits into the surrounding street systems and
furthers implementing specific land use designs, corridor planning, and access
management methods;
4.13
Allow paved alleys that are privately owned and maintained where appropriate;
4.14
Develop ROW and storm water management standards within regulations that
reduce the opportunity and impact of spilled contaminants from reaching surface
and ground water; and,
4.15
Reduce ROW width dedications to the minimum necessary to provide for safe
and efficient transportation needs while decreasing the amounts of impervious
surface.
Rural Road Functional Classifications
Major Collectors: Rural major collector roads serve towns not already served by higher-class
roadways. This road classification may also serve to connect one portion of a denser area to
another denser area. They are moderately fast facilities that are two to four lanes wide. Rural
major collector roads are wider and carry more traffic than the rural minor collectors.
Minor Collectors: Rural minor collector roads are moderately fast facilities that are two lanes
wide and provide a link between the major collector arterials and rural local access roads. They
typically provide service to remaining smaller communities and link locally important traffic
generators with their more rural hinterland.
Local Access Roads: Local access roads provide ingress/egress to adjacent property and
generally do not support through traffic. They are located in both urban and rural areas. The
alignment and traffic control measures on local access roads should encourage a slow, safe, and
efficient speed.
Special Sections: The County Engineer may allow special ROW sections incorporating certain
design elements (e.g., planting strips, median treatments, etc.) that enhance the roadway’s
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geographic location, scenic vistas, or recreational opportunities. The design should not degrade
the functionality or safety of the ROW. Where a special section is desired and includes a
landscaping element, a maintenance plan will also be required
Design of Rural Roads
Goal No. 5
Provide a safe and efficient system of rural roads. To the maximum extent
possible, Ashtabula County shall provide all weather roads to serve the rural
environment and inclement climate typical of northeast Ohio.
Priorities
5.1
Develop and maintain safe, efficient transportation connections between more
suburbanized population centers where improvements emphasize operations,
safety, and maintenance;
5.2
Discourage new commercial strip development directly along rural collector and
state route frontage;
5.3
Ensure the preservation of rural character and prevent urban sprawl by managing
access to major rural collectors; and,
5.4
Prohibit proposed ROW and development from encroaching on significant
natural areas or historic resources consistent with the Significant Areas Policies.
Safety
The citizens of Ashtabula County place considerable importance on the safety of the
transportation system. Traffic accidents are not only traumatic on a personal level, but they are
also costly for public at large. These costs are felt in the form of medical expenses, lost
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productivity, and property losses. When a new road or improvements to existing roads are
planned, safety factors shall be a primary design consideration.
Goal No. 6
Provide a safe and efficient transportation system, which responds to the
needs of the communities within the County, with special consideration for
the elderly, handicapped, and low-income individuals.
Priorities
6.1
Adopt standards and techniques to slow vehicle traffic and reduce the volume of
traffic in residential neighborhoods; and,
6.2
Advocate safe and effective traffic control or grade separation at railroad grade
crossings.
Level of Service
“Level of service” (LOS) sets qualitative standards for the operating characteristics of the
transportation system. Specifically, it can be defined as ways or measures of describing a range
of traffic functioning conditions such as traffic interruptions, travel speed and time, freedom to
maneuver, and comfort and convenience as experienced and perceived by the passengers and
motorists who enlist the roads for mobility. For example, in terms of average time delay at
intersections, six (6) levels are defined ranging from “A - F” with “A” representing the best set
of conditions [i.e., little to no delay] and “F” the worst [i.e., excessive delay] (State Highway
Access Management Manual, Ohio Department of Transportation, Columbus, Ohio).
Generally accepted transportation planning, principles require level of service standards for all
arterials, and other roads as well, maintain a certain LOS and be coordinated locally, regionally,
and state wide. The LOS standards may be thought of as goals that the County desires to
maintain for the operation of the transportation system.
Goal No. 7
Establish and maintain County LOS standards consistent with and/or that
exceed ODOT’s.
Priorities
7.1
Transportation system improvements should be consistent with and/or exceed
adopted levels of service; and,
7.2
Utilize corridor travel time as the minimum level of service for the regional
transportation system. The use of a network of local and collector roads versus
using only major arterials and collectors is encouraged.
Public Participation
When transportation improvements are proposed, it is important to address the needs and desires
of the general public, property owners, and communities affected by the project. Ashtabula
County should work with local residents and property owners, in the form of public hearings if
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necessary dependent on the magnitude of the project, prior to the design phase to assure and
ensure that all needs are considered. A citizen based process via public input from the onset can
result in more acceptable facilities to enhance access and mobility for vehicles and other modes
of transportation.
Goal No. 8
Incorporate community participation in the transportation planning process
and actively involve residential and nonresidential concerns in
transportation choices and decisions.
Priorities
8.1
Encourage and facilitate meaningful public involvement throughout plan
development and implementation, including at the project level.
Environment
The transportation system can contribute to negative affects on the environment. Air, water, and
noise pollution are often associated with the transportation network. Air pollution can best be
reduced by minimizing traffic congestion. There are many ways to reduce traffic congestion
other than new or expanded roads. Transit use and alternative transportation modes can reduce
air pollution. Storm water runoff from road surfaces can be a major contributor to water quality.
Treatment of storm water in grassy percolation areas or retention/detention basins can
substantially minimize water pollution, runoff rates, and sediment erosion. Noise pollution from
traffic can have adverse impacts on adjacent land uses. Noise attenuation practices in the form
of berms, landscaping, or other sound barriers may be necessary to mitigate impacts.
Goal No. 9
Develop transportation systems that avoid negative environmental impacts
where possible and mitigate detrimental consequences where avoidance is
impossible. Create transportation networks that work toward sustainable
communities and are consistent with Smart Growth initiatives.
Priorities
9.1
Design transportation improvements to minimize air, water, and noise pollution;
9.2
Ensure that new transportation systems avoid or minimize negative impacts to
natural, cultural, aesthetic, and historic resources in compliance with the
Significant Areas Policies;
9.3
Protect and preserve environmentally sensitive areas to the greatest extent
possible when developing new transportation facilities or improvements;
9.4
The transportation system in Ashtabula County should conform to the federal
Clean Water and TEA-21 Acts; and,
9.5
View financial inducements (e.g., tax abatements, TIF, etc.) as tools to encourage
development to occur in areas with existing infrastructure, or adjacent to already
built-out areas with appropriate and up-gradable systems.
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Chapter 5
Economic & Community Development
Vision
To promote areas within Ashtabula County which are suited for infrastructure
improvements benefiting and stimulating residential, recreational, commercial, and
industrial economic prosperity through expanded employment opportunities, while
enhancing and protecting community assets and quality of life.
Definition of Community Development: Community Development is the process of developing
and maintaining suitable economic, social and political environments, in which balanced growth
may be realized, community assets enhanced, while increasing the wealth of the community.
Definition of Economic Development: Economic development is the process that leads to
enterprise expansion, location, or startup in a place positioned to accommodate it. It occurs when
a job is created and/or when an enterprise takes an action that increases the economic vitality of a
community. It is the location-response side of the business expansion, facilities location, site
selection, and new-venture-startup processes.
From the glossary of the Economic Development Contacts Network
Introduction
Located in the northeast corner of Ohio, Ashtabula County is ideally positioned to deliver
endless opportunities to all business arenas including agricultural, manufacturing, service,
recreation, retail and tourism. The County is surrounded by three major metropolitan areas
(Cleveland, Youngstown/Warren, and Erie, PA) and within 500 miles of the major eastern
markets of the United States and Canada.
The county boasts facilities of 17 of the Fortune 500 companies. With historical strengths in
fiberglass, plastics, and related chemical industries, the county has over 350 manufacturing and
industrial firms, and 2,800 businesses employing 43,000 people. A significant portion of the
County is dedicated to the agricultural industry. A growing tourism industry is built on the
unique agricultural, historical and natural resources of Ashtabula County.
Why a Plan is Important for Development?
A well-designed economic and community development plan will help Ashtabula County
establish widely accepted economic development priorities, reduce sprawl, avoid duplication of
costly infrastructure, and foster retention of local identity. There is a need for an approach to
development that will build on the strengths of the County, maximize the use of existing
infrastructure and coordinate with local and regional development strategies.
A county-wide effort should be directed towards job creation, retention and expansion. Planning
for development requires flexibility to be effective as markets and technology changes. While
Chapter 5, Economic & Community Development
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each community has unique challenges and opportunities, land-use strategies can guide an
integrated approach by all sectors to promote economic vitality in partnership with their
neighbors.
Areas of Concern
Appropriate Areas
The County should identify sufficient land, with proper zoning, available infrastructure and
access to suitable transportation systems for successful economic development projects.
Sewer & Water Infrastructure Capacity
Existing sewer capacity is stressed by current growth in some areas. Lack of a regional water
district hampers efforts to bring central water service to various parts of the County. The
development of a regional master water and sewer plan showing specific tributary area
relationships to the existing trunk lines and indicating the capacity for each one is strongly
recommended.
Telecommunication Services
Ashtabula County is served by four different incumbent local telephone exchange providers, and
difference in local service has created an uneven provision of telecommunication services.
Ashtabula County should work with the telecommunication providers to develop countywide full
spectrum communication services.
Urban Sprawl
Sprawl, is not as obviously apparent in Ashtabula County as it is in some neighboring counties,
new retail, residential and industrial development in the 1990s has created concerns within the
county regarding sprawl. Through the many participation sessions, citizens do not want
unchecked development.
The County should encourage, through local zoning, higher density development in those
areas already zoned for development. The County should discourage rezoning of vacant land
without planned or available infrastructure and other services to support development.
Issues and Challenges
Land use regulation is tremendously important both in promoting growth and in managing it.
Ashtabula County’s focus to promote positive growth and avoid sprawl are as follows:

Residential Development
Quality and design of residential development strongly influences community identity.
Encourage communities to tailor their local regulations to achieve the best design. Encourage
townships to adopt regulations within their Zoning Resolutions, to encourage and promote
cluster type residential development where appropriate to preserve rural character, open
space, and/or significant areas.
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
Commercial Development
The development of corridor plans for the Ashtabula Township Mall District and the
Austinburg/Saybrook Township I-90 Interchange area has begun. Other areas that might
benefit from corridor planning would be the other major interchanges in the county, and
township areas immediately adjacent to cities and villages. Identification of funding for
implementation of corridor plans should be an integral part of the planning process.
Existing vacant commercial space needs to be brought back into productive use if it
contributes to blight and the appearance of depressed areas. Communities need to
incorporate alternative uses in zoning texts to revitalize existing vacant commercial (retail)
structures.

Industrial Development
Encourage continued development of industrial parks where adequate infrastructure exists or
extension is practical. Seek to leverage state and federal assistance and incentives which
encourage efforts to redevelop vacant, underutilized “brownfield” sites.

Infrastructure
For purposes of this Comprehensive Plan, infrastructure is defined as potable water treatment
and distribution, sanitary and storm sewers, wastewater treatment, telecommunications,
natural gas and electricity distribution, and transportation.
Current residential growth is placing demands for potable water in central and southern
portions of the County. Adequate wastewater treatment capacities and sewer line collection
systems are challenged. To minimize public costs and efficiently use resources, new
development should occur in areas where adequate capacity exists or can be reasonably
extended. Attention needs to be given to areas of the county that are presently under-served
by utilities.
Development Goals
Local and County plans and policies should contain these physical and development tenets to
encourage development activities in suitable areas:

Economic development planning should be promoted. Studies may be undertaken to identify
economic patterns, which may be of benefit to local communities and businesses.
Information should be shared to review trends, development needs, and coordinate projects.

County economic development strategies should identify opportunities and manufacturing
sectors that its economies can fill. Future economic stability may be achieved through
diversification of industry clusters that can capitalize on local advantages to serve local,
national and international markets.

Develop actions and policies that encourage public and private investment in technologies
that support the ability of local enterprises to succeed, improve community life, and enhance
and improve access to information.
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
Continue publicly supported economic development programs, investments, and incentives
have proven their long-term benefits and impacts on the County as a whole. These programs
have attracted committed, diversified industries that provide employment choices for county
residents. Employment expands the individual’s opportunities for property ownership,
improvement, and consumption. The tax incentive programs have attracted industrial
property investment, and increased the county’s long-term property tax base.
Projects should be consistent with local economic development objectives as set forth in
land use or economic development plans.

Economic development incentives and tools should continue to be used to promote
appropriate growth, industrial diversification, encourage small business, and nurture
emergent technologies.
Action/Priority Items
1.1
Seek to develop data indicating existing and planned capacities for water, wastewater;
storm water management, telecommunications, electric and natural gas.
1.2
Collect data for soil types (suitability), current land use, and local zoning.
1.3
Map data from 1.1 and 1.2 above into geographically referenced electronic formats
(GIS).
1.4
Identify areas of greatest potential for development based upon the data mapped above.
1.5
Encourage orderly sequencing of growth in targeted areas in order to efficiently invest
public and private development funds; seek to leverage development projects for state
and federal funds that will enhance/expand infrastructure, and hence opportunities, in
targeted areas.
1.6
View financial inducements (e.g. tax abatements, TIF, etc.) as tools to encourage
development to occur in targeted areas defined above.
1.7
Encourage all agencies involved in economic development to pursue these goals.
1.8
Expand and market programs that assist and encourage entrepreneurs and small
businesses.
1.9
Encourage public lending programs to consider a business’s neighborhood and
community contributions in addition to the formal lending guidelines.
Guiding Principals
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Economic development efforts recognize that support to existing local enterprises is the best
source of business expansion and job growth.
Economic development and transportation investments should encourage these land use patterns,
and movement of people and goods by non-automotive transportation whenever feasible.
A distinctive identity will help communities cultivate, maintain, and enhance a quality-of-life
that is attractive for residential development and business retention, expansion, and
establishment, culminating in additional private investment to benefit residents and the County,
while providing value to the investors. A distinctive identity is also critical to the health of the
tourism industry. County community development efforts should aspire to preserve each
community’s unique sense of attractiveness, history, heritage, and cultural/social diversity. A
balance should be sought between the development of highly specialized retail areas such as
commercial corridors, residential options and nurturing of local businesses. At the Community
level, a wide range of commercial, residential, cultural, civic, and recreational uses should be
encouraged in order to serve the daily needs of residents. At the County level, facilities should
be located in centers that are accessible by transit, recognizing the unique challenges posed by
the demands of low population densities over such a large geographic area.
Since industries, transportation, land uses, natural resources, and other key elements of a healthy
economy are regional in scope, communities and the private sector within Ashtabula County
should cooperate to create regional facilities that promote a coherent and complimentary whole
that considers and respects local character and identity.
Enterprises should be encouraged to work as civic partners, contribute to the support of the
communities where they operate, and provide workers with a living wage, opportunities for
advancement, and a healthy work environment. Communities should encourage lifelong skills
and learning opportunities by investing in excellent schools, post-secondary institutions, and
occasions for continuous education and training for citizens.
Industrial Property Assets
The County experienced a renaissance in the 1990’s, leading to the creation of numerous new
industrial parks.
AGTEC Industrial Park – Orwell Village
A privately developed 200-acre rural, industrial park with full improvements in
southern Ashtabula County 5 miles west of SR 11. Approx. 50 acres developed.
Approx. 100 acres impacted by wetlands.
Andover Industrial Park – Andover Village
This privately developed 80 acre rural, industrial park with full improvements in
southern Ashtabula County 5 miles east of SR 11. Approx. 30 acres remain
available for development.
Ashtabula City Industrial Park – Ashtabula City
A 50 acre industrial park in the preliminary planning stages adjacent to SR 11.
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Coffee Creek Industrial Park – Austinburg Twp.
A rural 50 acre industrial park, fully built out, 1.2 miles from the SR 45/I-90
interchange. No lots available.
Eagle Industrial Park – Geneva City
A 75-acre industrial park with full improvements that is located 3.5 miles north
of I-90 in the city of Geneva. 10 acres remain available for development. Inside
City limits.
East Conneaut Industrial Park – Conneaut City
A 200-acre industrial park with utilities at the street located 1.5 miles north of
I-90. Lots designed to customer needs. Inside City Limits.
North Bend Industrial Park – Saybrook Twp.
A 60-acre industrial park with 35 acres available. Phase I and II full
improvements located 4 miles north of I-90. Sub lots from 1.5 to 16 acres.
Reliance Business Park – Ashtabula City
A 250,000 sq. ft. multi-tenant facility on 24 acres with full improvements located
near SR 11 and I-90. Inside City limits.
Roaming Shores Industrial Park – Roaming Shores Village
This park is located on Rome Rock Creek Road, one mile east of SR 45. 60
acres currently remain undeveloped, but water and sewer facilities are available.
Sidley Industrial Park – Austinburg Twp.
180 acre industrial park, Phase I and II improved. Adjacent to I-90 and SR 45.
Total Industrial Park Acreage: 917
Developed Industrial Park Acreage: 265
Available Industrial Park Acreage: 420
Restricted Acreage: 128
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Chapter 6
Heritage: The Future of Our History
Vision
To the people of Ashtabula County who value their history and heritage not only in
the past, but also in the present and for the future. The physical reminders of
historical, architectural and archeological sites help form our sense of community. In
order to preserve the uniqueness of history and heritage, Ashtabula County will
include the preservation and protection of our significant historical resources with
other county policies in order to guide development of any type and size.
Why is Planning Important to Historic Preservation?
Preservation of the County’s historic resources is important to the residents of Ashtabula County.
The museums, covered bridges, depots, early homes, and numerous other architectural and
archeological sites must be thought of as a commodity. Historical resources also serve as an
important economic force for tourism, and create a sense of place that most county residents
recognize as important to overall quality of life.
A balanced, coordinated effort between landowners, developers, and government agencies, to
guide future residential, commercial, and industrial growth is crucial to success in protecting
historically significant areas.
Understanding that historic sites are valuable to a community’s character and sense of place is
the first step toward their preservation. Whereas, some historic resources in the county are
already in public ownership and trust, there are many others that remain in private hands. Only
some of these are officially recognized by federal, state, and/or local authorities. It must also be
understood that structures built today in the early part of the 21st Century will one day be viewed
as historic. It is recommended that our local government decisions encourage private owners to
protect and preserve these resources.
There have been three programs completed to take the “pulse” of how residents view living in
Ashtabula County, in which historic preservation was a topic. The 1993 countywide visioning
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process, ACT 2000, identified “preserve the architectural heritage of the county” as an important
goal. The 1997 Ashtabula County Telephone Survey indicates that over half of the respondents
viewed architectural design, historic buildings, and historic districts to be “very important,”
which was the highest rating.
Through the 2000 Future Search program, Land and Living in Ashtabula County--A
Community in Conversation About Its Future, a vision statement expressed the sentiments of
the attendees about heritage and history:
“The historic character of the architecture in each community is an integral
part of the sense of place and development needs to address this issue.”
Land and Living Statement
Christ Church, Museum and Episcopal Church
Windsor Township
Hartsgrove Gazebo and Town Square
Hartsgrove Township
Areas of Concern and Focus
The National Register of Historic Places and the Ohio Historic Preservation Office list numerous
sites in Ashtabula County that they have determined to be historically significant. New sites will
be added by these federal and state preservation offices as time progresses. Additional Ashtabula
County sites should be added at the local level through research, survey, and identification as
part of this Comprehensive Plan.
This element is crucial. Without this survey work, planning decisions based on current
knowledge will result in a loss of historic resources and delays in project implementation for
economic development. See Map No. 1 and Table No. 1 for the sites in Ashtabula County that
are listed on the Historic Register.
The National Register of Historic Places lists properties identified at the national, state, and local
level that are significant and which are protected by the National Historic Preservation Act of
1966. The Ohio Historic Preservation Office maintains a database of properties only within
Ohio that are listed on the Ohio Historic Inventory or Ohio Archeological Inventory. This office
also nominates sites to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Numerous local
historic societies maintain their own inventories. Areas of concern for preservation can be
generalized as follows:
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A. A place that has a historically significant value such as:
 Old town centers including but not limited to Austinburg, Dorset Center, Eagleville,
Footville, Hartsgrove Circle, and Windsor Corners
 Underground railroad sites
 Archeological sites
B. A structure that has a historically significant value such as:
 Schools
 Private homes and barns
 Private businesses
 Town Halls/Granges
 Railroad depots
 Covered bridges
Historically significant value will depend on several factors. The Criteria for Evaluating Historic
Sites, explained in this chapter, describes how to determine the historical significance of a site.
Heritage Priorities
The goal of this Comprehensive Plan is the mindful use of land in Ashtabula County from all
perspectives: economic, farmland, greenspace, transportation, recreation, and historic. The
following are priorities of historic preservation in Ashtabula County:
Priority No. 1: Continue to protect and preserve sites listed on the National Register of
Historic Places and with the Ohio Historic Preservation Office.
Priority No. 2: Create an inventory of historically significant sites beyond those listed
on the National Register of Historic Places and with the Ohio Historic Preservation
Office.
 The inventory should be performed by a competent person with an interest in history and
general knowledge of Ashtabula County. Funding, terms, length of employment, and
other aspects of this position would be determined by the Board of County
Commissioners. An approved Inventory Form should be used. The inventory should be
digitized and integrated into the database(s) of Ashtabula County government.
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County Court House, Jefferson
Priority No. 3: Continue to promote tourism of historical sites through programs such as
the Covered Bridge Festival, local festivals, and historic tours.
 The continued promotion of local historic festivals and tours by the County Commissioners
and local historic societies maintain public knowledge of the importance of historic areas
within the county.
“Ashtabula County offers a wide diversity of fairs, festivals, and family
activities where citizens celebrate their community pride. Besides countywide
events such as the Covered Bridge Festival or the annual county fair, most of
the twenty-seven townships schedule local heritage days.”
Land and Living Statement
Olin Bridge, Dewey Road, Plymouth Township
Covered Bridge Festival
Priority No. 4: Encourage private property owners to apply to have their homes or
businesses recognized as significant at the local, state, and federal level.
 As with Greenspace and Farmland Preservation, the success of preserving historic sites will
depend largely on the private property owner. This Comprehensive Plan encourages private
property owners to inform local historic preservation societies of their interest in researching
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and preserving their properties, to inform the County Commissioners Office of information
they may have regarding the historic importance of their properties, and to apply to have
their homes or businesses placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Map No. 1 shows the general locations of homes, businesses, and other sites that are currently on
the National Register of Historic Places. The Ohio Historic Preservation Office may be reached
at 567 East Hudson Street, Columbus, Ohio 43211-1030; Phone (614) 298-2000 or visit
www.ohiohistory.org.
Priority No. 5: Encourage the updating of zoning resolutions to ensure preservation of
historic areas.
 Each individual township should review its zoning resolutions and investigate the need to
preserve any historic areas that may exist within the township. Creating a different set of
bulk standards (e.g., lot frontage and area, building height, setbacks, etc.) in a specific
area where historic structures exist, for example, would be the main zoning tool that a
township can create that could help protect historic town centers.
Priority No. 6: Create a repository for historical data.
 All historic data that is reported in the inventory would be kept on permanent record for
public use in a county office and cross-referenced in any county Geographic Information
System (GIS) as well as the County Auditor’s database.
Priority No. 7: Create a historical advisory board.
 This board would provide oversight for the implementation of the local inventory and
monitor the status of historic resources. Make-up and creation of the board should be
endorsed by the Board of County Commissioners.
Historic Preservation Tools
Successful preservation means being prepared to make thoughtful decisions about historic
resources by understanding the locally built environment and what is historically significant
and worthy of preservation investment. Historic resources can be preserved through the
following means:
Owner Participation
Tool No. 1 is tied with Priority No. 4. Owners of property or buildings, which may be
historically significant but not necessarily subject to immediate development, are encouraged to
notify local historic preservation societies of their interest in researching and preserving their
properties. They should also inform the County Commissioners Office as to the historic
importance of their properties and apply to have their sites placed on the National Register of
Historic Places.
The majority of potential sites will fall under private ownership. Knowing this, and educating
the public to preserve such sites, will work to increase historic preservation, adding to our sense
of place and pride. The Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, explained in Tool No. 3, may be able
Chapter 6, Heritage
Page 70
to assist with this endeavor.
Contact: Ohio Historic Preservation Office, County Commissioners, local preservation societies
Subdivision Regulation
Subdivision regulations are a necessity. They strengthen a community’s ability to ensure a
development will become a beneficial, working part of the community. Aside from the typical
design standards found in all subdivision regulations, the Ashtabula County Subdivision
Regulations include Section 426 on Significant Areas and its adopted policies.
It is recognized that many of the historically significant areas valued by Ashtabula County
residents are not at this time of national or even state interest, but are an integral part of our
unique built environment and cultural history of the county. Identification and protection of
these resources will be highly dependent on Priority No. 2, completion of the local inventory.
Once identified, these properties could be deemed to be significant areas.
Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit
This act makes available a 20% tax credit to any person interested in renovating a historic
structure by making necessary improvements and updates for non-residential uses. The credit is
available through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The structure must be listed on or be
eligible to be on the National Register of Historic Places. More information on this program is
available through the Internal Revenue Service.
Contact: IRS at: www.ohiohistory.org
Zoning
The preservation of the small town atmosphere is a desire that continually surfaced in
conversations about land use during the 1997 Youngstown State University Land Use Survey,
Future Search, Farmland Preservation, and this Comprehensive Plan.
Townships can support the historic preservation movement through zoning. Zoning does have
its limitations, but a township, if it so desires can designate an area that it considers to be of
historic importance. The township could establish bulk and area standards for that specific
zoning district. Examples of different standards may be a lesser front and side yard setback,
building height, and lot area requirements. More flexible parking standards, such as allowing
joint parking agreements, could also be established.
Carefully crafted historic district standards would be of great assistance to owners of historic
structures. These owners face complications caused by non-conformity to current zoning
regulations. The standards would, however, need to be uniformly applied to any structure within
this district, whether historical in nature or not.
While a township cannot require a building to match or closely resemble the existing facade of
the historic buildings in the area, making allowances in 21st Century zoning for the distinct
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development patterns of the 19th and early 20th centuries would aid in maintaining the original
“small town” feel. A small town atmosphere will greatly benefit from developers willing to
spend the time and money on such projects. Buildings and lots that are maintained properly help
sustain a community’s sense of place and particularly, pride.
If a community knows how it wants its downtown or its commercial corridors to look and feel,
the creation of a different set of standards can make a difference.
Contact: Individual Township, Ashtabula County Department of Planning
CDBG Review and Funding
When a community applies for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for
structural or other improvements, the community must comply with Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470), Executive Order 11593, and the Preservation
of Archeological and Historical Data Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 469a-1, et seq). A consultant
performs an environmental assessment of the property to assure compliance.
During this assessment, contact is made with the State Historic Preservation Officer to identify
properties that are either listed in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic
Places. Any adverse effects of the project will either be avoided or mitigated. Ideally, this step
should serve as backup for Tool No. 2, the Significant Areas review conducted during the
subdivision process.
Contact: Ashtabula County Department of Environmental Services
Adoption of Limited Home Rule Government by Townships
Pursuant to ORC Section 504.01, in a township with a population of at least 5,000 residents but
no more than 15,000, the Board of Township Trustees, by majority vote, may adopt a resolution
causing the Board of Elections to submit the question to the electors of that township whether or
not the township should adopt a limited home rule government.
The adoption of limited home rule government allows a township to exercise limited selfgovernment and limited police powers. Under this limited role, a township may create
provisions for historic districts that can incorporate design standards, as well as bulk and area
standards, as is done in incorporated municipalities.
Implementation Strategies/Recommendations
The strategies to preserve historically significant sites are as follows:

Strategy No. 1: Continue to enforce the Significant Areas Policies of the County
Subdivision Regulations.

Strategy No. 2: Implement the Criteria for Evaluating Historic Sites to determine
historically significant sites.
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
Strategy No. 3: Begin the records search, the compilation of local information, and a
windshield survey immediately following the adoption of this Plan. Complete a
systematic and comprehensive inventory of historically significant areas within two
years after the adoption of this Plan. This work will begin with areas already under
development, such as, interchanges and major state routes.

Strategy No. 4: Encourage the use of the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit to
encourage the ownership and maintenance of historic structures.

Strategy No. 5: Create a link in the County Auditor’s tax records identifying a tax
parcel that has a historic structure located on it and provide pertinent information about
the structure.
Criteria for Evaluating Historic Sites
In collaboration with the Significant Areas Policies and the Comprehensive Plan, the
following Criteria for Evaluation will be used to determine a site’s historical significance in
Ashtabula County during the time of the inventory and any subsequent review of a potential
historic site threatened by development. These criteria are widely used by the National
Register of Historic Places and the Ohio Historic Preservation Office.
The level of significance is determined by American history, architecture, archeology, and
culture and is present in districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that possess
integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association, and:
 that are associated with events that have made a significant contribution of the broad
patterns of our history; or
 that are associated with the lives of persons significant in the past; or
 that embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction,
or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack
individual distinction; or
 that have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in pre-history or
history.
Old Brick, Orwell Township
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Map not intended to show exact location of historic sites.
Chapter 6, Heritage
Page 74
Table No. 1
National Register, Historic Sites, Ashtabula County, Ohio
No.
Location
Name
1
2
Jefferson Township
Ashtabula City
Ashtabula County Courthouse Group
Ashtabula Harbor Light
3
Ashtabula City
Ashtabula Harbor Commercial District
4
Austinburg Township
Eliphalet Austin House
5
Plymouth Township
Blakeslee Log Cabin
6
Wayne Township
Fort Boice and Village Site
7
Ashtabula
Michael Cahill House
8
Austinburg Township
Congregational Church of Austinburg
9
Conneaut
Conneaut Harbor West Breakwater Light
10
Conneaut
Conneaut Light Station Keeper’s Dwelling
11
Conneaut
Conneaut Works
12
Conneaut
David Cummins Octagon House
13
Geneva-on-the-Lake
Eagle Cliff Hotel
14
Jefferson Village
Joshua Reed Giddings Law Office
15
Jefferson Township
Griggs Grange No. 1467
16
Ashtabula Township
Francis E. Harmon House
17
Harpersfield Township
Harpersfield Covered Bridge
18
Conneaut
Harwood Block
19
Andover
John Henderson House
20
Ashtabula City
Hotel Ashtabula
21
Lenox Township
Col. Erastus House
22
Ashtabula
Col. William Hubbard House
23
Jefferson Village
Jefferson Town Hall
24
Conneaut
Kilpi Hall
25
Jefferson
Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad Station
26
Conneaut
Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Passenger Station
27
Ashtabula
Mother of Sorrows Church
28
New Lyme Township
New Lyme Institute
29
New Lyme Township
New Lyme Town Hall
30
Ashtabula City
Park Avenue High School
31
Austinburg Township
L. W. Peck House
32
Harpersfield Township
Shandy Hall
33
Ashtabula City
West Fifth Street Bridge
34
Windsor Township
Windsor Corners District
35
Windsor Township
Windsor Mills Christ Episcopal Church
36
Windsor Township
Windsor Mills Fort and Village Site
37
Windsor Township
Wiswell Road Covered Bridge
Chapter 6, Heritage
Page 75
Final Commentary
A community’s historic resources are unique, finite, and non-renewable. As the nation follows a
path toward the global economic community, citizens should remember that it is very possible to
participate in a national and global economy and also maintain a unique community identity.
County residents should also remember that the stronger the outside forces for change, the
stronger the inside forces for preservation of what is truly important must be.
Economic and market forces produce results both positive and negative, but it is certain that only
the hearts and minds of people can inject the idea of a big picture and a common good, an overarching goal, into the operation of these forces. Market forces may sometimes recognize historic
significance as a commodity, but generally such recognition occurs long after local efforts at
self-preservation have protected historic resources. Thus, the challenge of providing a future for
the history of Ashtabula County will be a responsibility of residents and public officials of the
county.
Protection of our historic resources is important due to the intrinsic value they have to Ashtabula
County. In time the economic rewards may be directly tied to these resources. In fact, those
communities who do take steps to preserve their historic resources will find that they become
increasingly valuable because other communities lacked the will to do the same. As neighboring
counties become paved over and completely franchised, our quality of life, which includes the
sense of place and identity provided by our historic resources, becomes more attractive to others
and also more precious to us. The citizens of Ashtabula County have spoken.
“The historic character of the architecture in each community is an integral
part of the sense of place and development needs to address this issue.”
Land and Living in Ashtabula County
Chapter 6, Heritage
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Chapter 7
Recreation
Vision
To enjoy access to many unique and diverse places and spaces that provides
opportunities for active and passive recreation. These recreational opportunities
make the best use of our land, water and natural resources throughout the four
seasons.
Introduction
Recreation is an increasingly important component to the quality of life for Ashtabula County
residents. The County has designated recreational and natural areas that provide multi-purpose
parks and spaces for active and passive recreation for all ages. Preserving and protecting areas of
unique natural and scenic importance for their original and intrinsic value protects our greatest
resource, the land. The coordination and cooperation among the private sector, public sector and
ALL parks assures that the conservation of the land and its resources are paramount.
“Ashtabula County is a place where people value the open spaces around them and
support the development of a parks system to ensure their access to those spaces.”
Ashtabula County is rich in natural beauty with unique environmental assets. Recreational areas
include: beaches, wetlands, floodplains, steep slopes, riparian corridors with vegetative buffers,
mature woodlands, scenic rivers and parklands. There is an abundance of parks and spaces for
recreational activities. There is a wealth of active and passive forms of recreation. The twentyseven miles of Lake Erie shoreline provide water activities, sunsets, star gazing and fantastic
views on the North Coast of America.
Of the 455,100 acres within Ashtabula County, the two state parks, Pymatuning Lake and
Geneva State Park, total 4,198 land acres. These parks offer opportunities to camp, hike, fish,
boat, swim and picnic in the summer and in the winter snowmobile, cross-country ski and ice
fish. Additionally, there are numerous township parks, village greens, local wineries,
community festivals, and other recreational areas that are accessible throughout the year.
Sportsmen can take advantage of hunting and fishing seasons within three Wildlife Areas located
in Dorset, New Lyme, and Orwell townships, totaling over 2,000 acres.
Recreation is defined as - refreshment of body and mind through forms of play, amusement or
relaxation that may be active or passive (American Planning Association, Glossary of
Planning, Zoning and Development Terms) - Land devoted to recreation is both private and
publicly owned. Recreation, along with tourism, has been a boost to the economy. Private
enterprises include golf courses, camps, campgrounds, charter fishing, equestrian and fitness
centers, All-Terrain Vehicle tracks and hunting preserves.
Chapter 7, Recreation
Page 73
Recreation has been a topic of interest for county citizens and has emerged as a priority at
several community forums over the years. During the Ashtabula County Tomorrow (ACT 2000)
process, the development of a master recreation plan ranked number one out of ten as an
individual action item from the ACTion Fair held at the Ashtabula Mall in 1993. Recreation as a
goal from ACT 2000 would enhance existing, and develop new, recreational areas and
opportunities for all ages. The goal to create a master recreational plan for the county would
address sporting, uses of space, leisure time activities, and cultural opportunities. It was hoped
the plan would provide for but not be limited to parks, alternative non-motorized transportation
routes, (trails for hiking, biking, walking and jogging) skiing, sledding and snowmobiling, ice
skating, indoor and outdoor swimming, development of rivers and lake fronts for recreation, use
of school facilities for recreational opportunities and involve theaters and museums. The
Recreation Task Force from ACT 2000 continues to meet and has given input to this plan.
During Land and Living in Ashtabula County, A Community In Conversation About Its Future,
recreation again was identified as an area where the quality of life of county citizens would be
enhanced and the county would benefit economically with focused enhancement on recreation
and preservation of open space. Participants gave voice to increasing indoor and outdoor
recreation programs and facilities.
Lakeshore Park, Ashtabula Township
Canoes on the Ashtabula River at the
Olin Covered Bridge, Plymouth
Courtesy: Carl Feather, Northcoast Images, Volume I and II
Page 74
Why a Comprehensive Plan is important to Recreation
Ashtabula County is the largest county in area in the State of Ohio. With over 705 square miles,
there is a sense that Ashtabula County has an abundance of open space and recreational areas. It
is important that a plan identify how to make the best use of the land for generations to come.
In a Star Beacon editorial from 11/20/01:
“Lands are disappearing as there has been an emphasis in recent years to
push for industrial and commercial development. But at the same time, there
ought to be development designated toward our quality of life. Another
factory adds to our tax base of course, but parks and recreation add to our
well being as well as our tax base. There needs to be a balance between the
two.”
Designating and developing natural recreational areas can provide opportunities for
“Ecotourism.” Ecotourism is tourism based upon the natural, rather than the synthetic attractions
of the community. It is the tourist industry’s most rapidly expanding sector. It is and can be a
significant facet of the economic strategy for communities across the country. As growth in the
county occurs, typically near population centers, it is important to have a plan that will focus on
parks and recreation to keep these communities vital and growing, thus improving quality of life.
Areas of Concern & Focus
With an area as large as 455,100 acres, Ashtabula County only has 16,664 acres, or 3.7%, of land
and water set aside for parks and recreation, according to the 1993 Ohio Statewide
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. As ecotourism and the population of the county grow,
more land devoted to parks and recreation will be needed. It stands to reason that now is the
time to identify, protect, and plan for the following areas for future recreation:
1.
All publicly owned land
Publicly owned land should be open/accessible to the public. Often times public funds are
used to create and maintain public areas. Currently, there are two active ways that funds
are generated that can assist with the recreational uses within the county.
A.
Lot transfer fee. The transfer fee for all lot transfers made through the County
Auditor’s Office was increased from $1.00 per transfer to $3.00 per transfer in
July, 2001. The Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution making this
effective. These monies may assist with economic development activities, which
may include recreational uses.
B.
Significant Areas. Under Section 426 of the Ashtabula County Subdivision
Regulations and the Significant Areas Policies, upon review of a subdivision, it is
determined by the Ashtabula County Planning Commission whether any
Significant Areas exist within a proposed subdivision. If one does not exist, the
creation of the subdivision would have an affect on the General Area (defined in
the Policies), and therefore Payment-in-Lieu of a Significant Area is required.
This amount is equal to 5% of either the taxed assessed valuation of the property,
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or based upon a private appraisal. These funds will be reserved for only the
acquisition and development of other significant areas.
2.
All former railroad right-of-ways
Former railroad right-of-ways can serve as an immediate tool to create a recreational area,
namely walking and biking trails. The Western Reserve Greenway (WRG) Trail is a fine
example of how a former railroad bed is being converted, into a multi-purpose trail. This
is discussed at more detail later in this chapter.
3.
Paper streets and utility easements for future trails
Land that was platted, (the plat was officially recorded in the County Recorder’s Office)
but never constructed, are known as paper subdivisions. The streets are referred to as
paper streets as well. Such areas could be obtained for use as recreational areas provided
that it is reviewed under the Subdivision Regulations to guarantee that no non-conforming
or land-locked parcels are created.
4.
Established public parks
Continued maintenance and expansion of uses such as beaches, outdoor volleyball courts,
tennis courts, and swimming within existing parks will maintain constant recreational
opportunities.
5.
Areas developed for the purpose of wetland remediation
It may be possible to create non-intrusive recreational uses such as raised trails for walking
only, picnic areas, and platforms for viewing wildlife within natural wetlands or wetland
remediation areas. Approval of these types of projects is not governed by one particular
government agency, but rather several.
6.
River and stream corridors
Boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking are attractive uses along rivers and streams
throughout the county. The Harpersfield Metropark, for example, offers all of these uses.
7.
Road shoulders and sidewalks
Wherever possible and logical, road shoulders and sidewalks should be expanded as to
permit safe pedestrian and bicycle traffic. There are several proposed locations for
pedestrian/bicycle bridges over the Ashtabula River.
8.
Ashtabula Gulf
Four hundred acres of woods, river, and stream beds make up the Ashtabula Gulf. The site
is contemplated for recreational development including trails and picnic areas. Activities
would be overseen by the Ashtabula Township Park Commission.
These eight focus areas are the physical features from which new recreational uses can be
created. Proper land management for motorized recreational vehicles (land & water), and the
ideal use, appreciation, and conservation of the land are overarching concepts that will ensure
new uses will be friendly to the environment.
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Listing of Parks and Recreation
Through a conscientious and deliberate effort organized following ACT 2000, the Recreational
Task Force inventoried numerous recreational areas in Ashtabula County. The Ashtabula
County Parks and Recreation Inventory can be found at the Department of Planning office in
Jefferson, Building D, Old Courthouse, 3rd Floor. The following enumerates the uses that were
inventoried in 1998.









Agriculture: Farms, Orchards and Vineyards
Camps/ Campgrounds
Charters/ Marinas/Canoe Liveries
Events, Fairs, Festivals
Historic Sites / Museums / Libraries
Parks / Playgrounds/Trails (including horses)
Schools
Sport Sites: Courts, Courses, Playing Fields, Ranges, Equestrian Centers
Visual Performing Arts
“It’s hard to see a frowning face at the Arts Center”
Each city, village and township offers recreational opportunities both indoor and outdoor.
Various communities throughout the county have private fitness clubs, public recreation
programming and establishments for the arts.
Top Recreational Areas within Ashtabula County
A.
State Parks
Ashtabula County is one of only a few communities in Ohio that can claim to be home to
two state parks. Outdoor lovers have opportunities for hiking, boating, nature study,
camping, fishing, hunting and other outdoor pursuits on these separate state areas. There
is direct access to Lake Erie and 698 acres of land at Geneva State Park located in the
extreme northwest corner of the County. And there are 3,500 acres of land and 1,400
acres of water at Pymatuning State Park located at the extreme southeast corner of the
County. Summer activities include fishing, hunting, hiking, picnicking, swimming and
boating. Winter recreation at Pymatuning includes ice-skating, ice fishing, ice boating
and cross-country skiing; snowmobiling is permitted in Geneva State Park.
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Table No. 1
Recreational Facilities
Geneva State Park
Pymatuning State Park
Land Area
698 acres
3,500 acres
Water Area
Lake Erie
1,400 acres
Activity
Geneva State Park
Fishing
yes
yes
Hunting
yes
yes
Hiking Trail
yes
Swimming
yes
yes
Nature Center
no
yes
Summer Nature Programs
no
yes
Boating
yes, dock rental
Quantity
Pymatuning State Park
3 miles
383
Quantity
yes
2 miles
yes, rental and launch
Ice Skating
no
yes
Ice Fishing
yes
yes
Ice Boating
no
yes
Cross country skiing
yes
yes
Snowmobiling
yes
no
Camping
yes
yes
Cottages
0
60
Campsites
91
352
Geneva State Park is the site of the Lodge and Conference Center at Geneva State Park. It
will feature approximately 110 rooms, mostly with views of Lake Erie and the marina, an
indoor pool, restaurant, and a wine-tasting room, among other amenities. The Conference
Center will accommodate 250-500 guests for meetings, banquets, and trade shows. Plans are
to provide state-of-the-art technology affording local businesses, associations, and groups
convenient meeting rooms to conduct board meetings, training sessions and regional
conference opportunities.
The complex will be a true gem for the shore of Lake Erie and Ashtabula County, as this will
be one of the only resorts situated on the shoreline between Buffalo and Maumee Bay.
Future planning has made the design easy to expand for future growth. Resort operations
will be contracted with a professional company that handles resorts and parks.
B.
State Wildlife Areas and Designated Hunting Lands
There are three (3) state designated Wildlife Areas in Ashtabula County. They
include:
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1.
2.
3.
Dorset State Wildlife Area (1,080 acres)
The New Lyme Preserve (650 acres)
Orwell State Wildlife Preserve (193 acres)
These areas provide an approximate total of 1,923 acres for public hunting and fishing.
Hunting is permitted only in designated areas with valid hunting licenses during
appropriate seasons.
C.
County Lands
The Ashtabula County Metropark District manages four (4) different areas covering
approximately 450-500 acres for outdoor recreation and nature. They include the
following parks in Ashtabula County:
The Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark , located in Harpersfield Township, is
the most recognized of the County parks system. It is located on Harpersfield Road at
the Grand River dam where many fishermen angle for trout (in spring and fall),
bluegill, crappie, large and smallmouth bass, etc. There are public picnic areas and
pavilions on both sides of the river, plus recreational fields and public restrooms.
Shallows below the dam provide children with hours of entertainment. There also is
public access for canoes and two privately run canoe liveries.
Graham Road Covered Bridge Metropark is located on Graham Road in Pierpont
Township. The bridge was originally located on Callendar Road in Morgan Township.
The bridge was scattered a mile downstream during the 1913 flood. Residents
gathered the parts of the bridge and it was moved to Graham Road. In 1971 the County
planned to tear down the bridge and replace it with a steel bridge. Robert and Helen
Benson, who live to the southwest of the bridge, donated property to the County, which
enabled the bridge to be saved. The bridge now sits on property belonging to the
County Metropark District. There is a small parking area for public access.
The Grand Lakes - Queen Lake & Prince Lake The Grand Lakes area, located in
Dorset Township seven miles west of the Pennsylvania border, consists of 240 acres of
forested and open land. The area is undeveloped and mostly owned by the County
Metropark District. Plans call for someday creating a recreation facility in the area that
would accommodate camping and boating for canoes and small fishing boats. The
Queen and Prince Lakes are located close to the former New York Central Railroad
right-of-way and near Mells Road, east of SR 193.
The Western Reserve Greenway Trail It is located on a former railroad right-of-way,
which was closed in April, 1976. The line was mostly owned throughout its operational
life by the Pennsylvania Railroad. The right-of-way, which served industry then, is
being converted to serve the community’s recreational needs now.
The Ashtabula County Metropark District secured a 15-year lease agreement from the
current property owner, the State of Ohio. The lease, signed by Governor George
Voinovich in late May, 1997, and recorded in the Ashtabula County courts, authorizes
construction of the bike path on the Ashtabula portion of the former railroad. The
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Western Reserve Greenway (WRG) Trail is 43 miles in length, with Ashtabula County
home to 27 miles of trail. The trail begins at the southern edge of Ashtabula City and
extends south of Orwell. From there, the trail proceeds to Champion, just north of
Warren. The Western Reserve Greenway is the longest section of the 100 mile Great
Ohio Lake-to-River Greenway. The ACT 2000 task force on parks & recreation became
interested in the Western Reserve Greenway Trail efforts several years ago. It was
instrumental in raising further awareness of the project.
Covered Bridges With 16 covered bridges, Ashtabula County is the Covered Bridge
Capitol of Ohio. Located in beautiful pristine settings, the bridges are a pleasure to tour
any time of the year. The county celebrates its Covered Bridge heritage the second
weekend of every October. Two of the bridges have contiguous parks where people
can park, picnic, walk and take pictures. A 17th Covered Bridge is slated to be built in
the Ashtabula River Gulf area along State Road. It will be the longest covered bridge
in the United States and will attract people from around the world.
Township Parks Several townships throughout the county have community parks that
offer picnic grounds and open spaces open from dusk till dawn. All townships have a
town hall that may have an open area but not necessarily a park. Townships that have a
designated park include Pierpont, Kingsville, Ashtabula, Colebrook, Harpersfield,
Trumbull, and Hartsgrove.
”My husband and I live to take the grandchildren down to the park or to the
beach. We have a wonderful time down there B simply enjoying life. He
starts pushing the kids on swings and the next thing I know, he is on a swing
himself. He keeps laughing and having such a good time with the kids. It’s
awesome. No matter how bad the week has gone or how down we may feel, it
always improves your outlook to have a chance to get outdoors and just have
fun like that. He even rolls down the hills with the kids, just like he was five
years old.”
Land & Living Interview
Lake Shore Park Set in lush vegetation and rolling hills with abundant natural
wildlife and open space throughout the summer, Lake Shore Park located in Ashtabula
Township is a refreshing, relaxing place for the whole family. For the fisherman there
is a fine boat ramp and ample parking for vehicles with trailers. With picnic pavilions
located in key scenic points, the view can be breathtaking as well as a photographer’s
playground. Over 100 picnic tables, many with charcoal grills, are available. Well kept
restrooms are in close proximity to the four spacious and scenic pavilions.
The Ashtabula Gulf/Indian Trails Park The park is located along the Ashtabula
River. The 400-acre park is part of a deep river valley that was created during the
Pleistocene epoch around 1,000,000 years ago when much of the earth’s surface was
covered by glaciers. The park’s northern terminus is located just two miles from Lake
Erie and adjacent to a part of the Ashtabula River once known for supporting heavy
industry. The approximate northern and southern end points for the eleven mile linear
park are defined by the West 32nd Street Railroad Bridge in the city of Ashtabula and
State Road in Plymouth Township. Potential exists to convert Indian Trails Park into a
Page 80
world class area for recreation and outdoor environmental education. However, in
order to attract users to the park, the existing and segmented hard pack trail surfaces
must be first developed for bicyclists and pedestrians. This task can be mainly
accomplished by constructing a series of bridges, ranging from 100' to 200' feet in
length, which will connect existing footpaths into one continuous ten mile long
bikeway system. Once fully realized and constructed, Indian Trails could be linked to
the 100 mile long Great Ohio Lake-to-River Greenway. This connection, theoretically,
would allow individuals using the bike paths in the Ashtabula area to experience
virtually every type of topography available in Ohio.
Public Fishing Areas Besides the many rivers and streams, there are several
designated public fishing areas within the county. They include Conneaut City Park
Dock, Geneva-on-the-Lake, Geneva State Park, Lake Shore Park, Pymatuning State
Park, and the New Lyme Wildlife Area.
Boating Areas Not including privately run marinas, the Ashtabula River, Lake
Erie, Geneva State Park, Pymatuning Reservoir, and Roaming Shores (a private
community) offer boating opportunities.
”When asked :What do friends and relatives from outside of the county who
visit, what do they like to see and do? They just want to come and relax. They
want to look out back at the flowers, wildlife and farmland.”
Land & Living Interview
Identifying Issues & Challenges to the Topic
Recreation and land use has generated more passionate responses than any other topic since
the land use discussion started in 1999. The development of an Ashtabula County Recreation
Master Plan has been discussed since the ACT 2000 process in 1993 and 1994. Maximizing
the community’s resources is of utmost importance when it comes not only to land use, but
also in the planning and development of all aspects of county wide recreational areas.
Funding for parks in Ashtabula County will continue to be a challenge and will come after
good plans have been developed and a broad vision for parks and recreation in Ashtabula
County has been established.
Opportunities for outdoor pursuits in Ashtabula County are limitless. The natural assets of
the region include Lake Erie, Pymatuning Lake, the scenic Grand River, the Ashtabula River
and Gulf, Conneaut Creek, interesting landscapes, and an infrastructure of tourist supported
activities.
Ashtabula County has the potential to someday have a world class system of inter-connected
bike paths, greenways and parks. While using the Western Reserve Greenway as a spine or
platform, a network of trails could be developed that would link most of Ashtabula County’s
major population centers. All of this has the potential to support ecotourism.
Recreation Priorities
Page 81
Recreation has been a topic of interest for county citizens and has emerged as a priority at
several community forums over the years. During the ACT 2000 process, improved
recreation was listed as what should be the top goal for Ashtabula County in the future.
Additional priorities included:

Priority No. 1: Develop a master recreational plan for the county
This plan would promote the development and improvements to existing facilities of all
park systems throughout the county. It could be coordinated by the Ashtabula County
Metropark District.

Priority No. 2: Encourage greater public access to scenic resources
Suitable public access shall be provided along the lakes, streams, and rivers. Geneva
State Park, Pymatuning State Park, and Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark are fine
examples of public access to a natural resource.

Priority No. 3: Assure that there are adequate designated areas for hunting, fishing, birding
and wildlife associated activities.
Maintaining significant tracts of forested and open land for hunting purposes will allow
for hunters to have a legal area on which they can hunt. Problems with illegal
trespassing can be reduced.

Priority No. 4: Enhance and develop existing recreational areas/opportunities for all ages
and create more recreational opportunities in the southern part of the county.
The majority of the population in Ashtabula County is located north of Interstate 90,
leaving the southern part of the county relatively undeveloped. However, expanding
upon township parks, public access to the Grand River, among others, can help improve
the recreational opportunities for residents in the southern portion of the county.

Priority No. 5: Promote connecting parks and greenways
The creation of the Western Reserve Greenway Trail is a wonderful example of people
coming together for the common good. This trail is unique and will be a focal point of
Ashtabula County when complete. The connecting of this trail with other trails or parks
will create an inter-connected recreational system unique to Northeast Ohio.

Priority No. 6: Complete the construction of the 27 mile Western Reserve Greenway Trail
The clearing of the land for the construction of the Western Reserve Greenway Trail
began in 1999. The construction is progressing in phases and has a target completion
date of 2005. In addition to the WRG, possible bicycle trail linkages might be created
along the following specific corridors:

Andover to Rock Creek: Convert the former New York Central Railroad (Dorset,
Ohio to the Pymatuning State Park and the Ohio-Penn line) into a bike path that
would connect to the WRG by way of Footville-Richmond Road;

Conneaut to Ashtabula: Construct a bike lane along Lake Road that connects with
the WRG by way of the North Shore Trail in the city of Ashtabula; and,
Page 82

Ashtabula to Geneva-on-the-Lake: Construct a bike lane from the WRG (West
58th Street) to the proposed Geneva State Park Lodge by way of North Bend Road
and existing paper streets.
Western Reserve Greenway
Courtesy: Ashtabula County Metropark District

Priority No. 7: Develop additional recreation facilities, including: trails (walking, biking,
jogging and horseback riding) skiing, sledding snowmobiling, ice skating, indoor and
outdoor swimming
Wherever and whenever possible, in harmony with local zoning, the expansion of
existing parks for additional uses and the acquisition of land near existing parks or
recreational areas will increase the park system and make it much easier to link parks and
trails together.

Priority No. 8: Use school facilities for recreational opportunities
Schools are a good source for youth opportunities outside of the organized sports within
the school district. Gymnasiums and playgrounds are accessible to the public.
Page 83
Page 84
Tools/Funding Sources to Sustain and Develop Recreational Opportunities
No. 1:
Clean Ohio Conservation Fund
Acquisition of park property & trail construction
NRAC / Ohio Public Works Commission B District 7
No. 2:
Coastal Management Assistance Grants (CMAG)
Protect and preserve natural coastal resources
ODNR - Coastal Services Center
Yetty Alley
1630 Sycamore Line
Sandusky, Ohio 44870
(419) 626-7986
No. 3:
Cooperative Public Boating Facility Grant Program
Construction and improvement of boat launches
ODNR - Division of Watercraft
4435 Fountain Square Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43224
(614) 265-6443
No. 4:
Five-Star Restoration Challenge Grants
Habitat restoration projects
NFWF
1120 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 900
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 857-5662
No. 5:
Great Lakes Program Funding
Protection and clean-up of the Great Lakes ecosystem
USEPA-GLNPO
G-17J
77 West Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 886-4013
No. 6:
Lake Erie Protection Program (Lake Erie Watershed)
Large grants: research / Small grants: demonstration projects
OLEC
1 Maritime Plaza, 4th Floor
Toledo, Ohio 43537
(419) 245-2514
Page 85
No. 7:
Land and Water Conservation Fund Program (LWCF)
Planning, acquisition and development of trails and stream corridors
ODNR - Department of REALM
1952 Belcher Drive
(614) 265-6646
No. 8:
National Scenic Byway Program (NSBP)
Planning, design and development of state scenic byways
ODOT
1980 West Broad Street
(614) 728-5078
No. 9:
Nature Works B Local Parks and Recreation Grants
Park improvement/construction; land acquisition; wetlands/stream preservation;
trail projects
ODNR B Division of REALM
1952 Belcher Drive
(614) 265-6646
No.10:
Ohio EPA Nonpoint Source Management Program (Section 319 Funding)
Water quality restoration solutions, including greenway applications
Ohio EPA - Division of Surface Water
P.O. Box 1049
(614) 644-2020
No.11:
Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
Land/easement purchases for trails; trail design & engineering; construction;
maintenance and restoration projects; trail facilities
ODNR - Division of REALM
1952 Belcher Drive
(614) 265-6646
No.12:
Transportation Enhancement Funding (TEA-21)
Must relate to surface transportation. Activities include trail/land acquisition;
site preservation; facility construction; environmental mitigation
ODOT
1980 West Broad Street
(614) 644-8211
Page 86
No.13:
Urban Park and Recovery Program (UPARR)
Rehabilitation of existing indoor and outdoor public recreation facilities
NPS
1709 Jackson Street
Omaha, NE 68102
(402) 221-3292
No.14:
Visual Arts Project Support (Design Arts and Art in Public Places)
One-time projects may be related to trails, with the provision that all projects are
based in the arts
OAC
727 East Main Street
Columbus, Ohio 43205-1796
No.15:
Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF)
Low-interest loans for stream restoration/protection; brownfield clean-up;
landfill closure; agricultural improvements
Ohio EPA - Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance
P.O. Box 1049
(614) 644-3655
No.16:
Water Resource Restoration Sponsor Program (WRRSP)
Includes riparian easement purchase/protection; wetland/stream protection;
water resource restoration implementation
Ohio EPA - Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance
P.O. Box 1049
(614) 644-3655
No.17:
Watershed Coordinator Grant Program
Program funds full-time watershed coordinator position for watershed groups
whose primary goal is restoration/preservation of watersheds, based on
watershed action plans
ODNR - Division of Soil and Water Conservation
4383 Fountain Square Drive, Bldg. B-3
(614) 265-6647
No.18:
Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)
Perpetual conservation easements for wetland and riparian areas
USDA - NRCS
200 North High Street
(614) 255-2469
Page 87
No.19:
Ashtabula County Parks Foundation
Tax-deductible, 501 (c) 3 conduit for developing parks in Ashtabula County
25 West Jefferson Street
Jefferson, Ohio 44047-1092
(440) 576-0727
No.20:
Ashtabula River Partnership
Natural Restoration Funds
1123 Bridge Street
Ashtabula, Ohio 44004
(440) 964-0277
Implementation Strategies/Recommendations
No. 1:
No. 2:
No. 3:
No. 4:
No. 5:
No. 6:
No. 7:
No. 8:
No. 9:
No. 10:
Facilitate park development and recreation initiatives;
Maintain public access to recreational opportunities (e.g., fishing);
Expand public access to natural recreational opportunities such as Lake Erie,
Pymatuning Lake, the Ashtabula and Grand Rivers, Conneaut Creek and the
Ashtabula Gulf;
Support efforts to leverage financial assistance for development of parks from state, federal and pr
Encourage school districts to use recreational areas for educational field trips;
Work toward creating a source of local matching funds for parks and recreation
related grants;
Encourage park development where there is potential for success (e.g., Lampson Reservoir, Ashtab
Establish parks next to each of the covered bridges;
Eliminate duplication of efforts; and,
Educate citizens about parks and recreational potential in Ashtabula County;
“The family had picnics and gatherings at our parks, went swimming in our
lakes, ice skating, sled riding and tobogganing at Lake Shore Park.”
Land & Living Participant
Page 88

Land Use Plan Introduction

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